Project description DEENESFRITPL Genetic insight into the onset of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders The EU-funded GRASAD project is investigating the genetic and evolutionary aspects of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which have an onset in childhood. The aim is to understand the common ground between and high prevalence of these neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers will identify adverse genetic risk factors and common symptoms and elucidate the aetiology of ASD and ADHD. Apart from fundamental knowledge on the roots of these two disorders, the project has the potential to generate new hypotheses and guide future research towards a personalised medicine approach. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common neurodevelopmental and childhood-onset chronic disorders. Although ASD and ADHD do have distinct diagnostic definitions, evidence has accumulated to suggest substantial overlap between their symptoms. Despite of being notably impairing and presenting deleterious effects on reproductive success they both are highly prevalent. The goal of GRASAD is the study of two important remaining unsolved issues regarding the genetic underpinnings of ASD and ADHD taking advantage of the most innovative approaches in the neurogenetics field. On one side, GRASAD-I will apply state-of-the-art methodologies to address the question of which and how a diverse set of genetic risk factors are involved in both ASD and ADHD and subsequently to specific symptoms shared between both disorders. On the other side, GRASAD-II will study evolutionary aspects of the genetic roots of ASD from a genomics perspective to shed light on the so-called paradox of psychiatric disorders: given that these disorders are considered maladaptive and have heritable risk, why do they still exist? This study is relevant due to it will not only pave the way for a more precise scientific understanding of ASD and its overlap with ADHD but also can have an impact on psychiatric practice within a precision medicine framework. The evolutionary perspective of the project can generate new hypotheses and guide research, inform treatment strategies, provide a more natural view of disease and elucidate the aetiology of mental illness and suffering. The multidisciplinary nature of the project is strong, involving a combination of well-developed novel approaches in the field of psychiatric genetics. This proposal includes both the transfer of knowledge to the host institution and the training of the candidate in new methodologies. This project is line with the EU strategy on Mental Health and Well Being. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinepsychiatrymedical and health scienceshealth sciencespersonalized medicine Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2018 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA Net EU contribution € 160 932,48 Address Gran via de les corts catalanes 585 08007 Barcelona Spain See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
