Skip to main content
Aller à la page d’accueil de la Commission européenne (s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)
français fr
CORDIS - Résultats de la recherche de l’UE
CORDIS
Contenu archivé le 2024-05-14

Genetic analysis of animal models for degenerative retinal disease

Objectif



Research objectives and content
Age related macular degeneration (ARMD), involving the progressive loss of central vision currently effects an estimated 5-10 million people within the European Community. Since there are no effective therapies for this condition, the financial burden on social and health care services throughout the community is highly significant. ARMD has a significant genetic component to its etiology. Studies on less common forms of retinal degeneration which segregate in families according to mendalian ratios readily yield etiologic genes which, in some instances, have been implicated in age related forms of retinal disease such as retinitis pigmentosa and age related macular degeneration. For example, genes encoding rds-peripherin, and a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP3) have been implicated in mendalian forms of macular degeneration, and mutations within the rim glycoprotein gene, the protein product which constitutes a component of the outer segment discs of the photoreceptor cells, have been implicated in age related forms of macular disease. It may become possible to develop genetic methods of intervention in the prevention of such conditions. To this end, a thorough understanding of the genetic etiologies of this group of conditions is required, together with a range of animal models through which explorations on gene delivery to retinal tissues may be explored. At the host institute, research is being undertaken into the molecular genetics of a number of degenerative retinal diseases, including retinis pigmentosa, Stargardt macular dystrophy, congenital stationary blindness and age related macular degeneration . A number of genes involved in the etiologies of such conditions having been localised and/or isolated at the host institute. In addition, small animal models are being developed through which the efficiency of viral and non-viral mediated gene delivery systems can be systematically evaluated. One such model, a mouse carrying a targeted distruption of the rhodopsin gene (Rho) was reported earlier this year (Humphries, M.M. et al., 1997). As part of this ongoing programme of research we propose to cross transgenic strains of mice expressing Bc12 (an anti-apoptotic gene) in rod photoreceptors, onto Rho/c-fos-- mice. Evidence is now available from naturally occuring animal models of degenerative retinal disease that a common pathway of photoreceptor cell degeneration is via apoptotic mechanisms.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The objectives of this research are to determine whether photoreceptor cell degeneration can be inhibited in Rho-- mice on an anti-apoptotic genetic background. If so future strategies for photoreceptor cell protection in Rho-- mice could incorporate the delivery not only of functional rhodopsin genes but also those encoding a
photoreceptor-specific Bc12 cellular proto oncogene and suppression effectors of the c-fos cellular proto oncogene. This project will involve experience in the generation of animal models, and will provide experience in methods of histopathological assessment, as well as molecular genetic analysis.

Champ scientifique (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classe les projets avec EuroSciVoc, une taxonomie multilingue des domaines scientifiques, grâce à un processus semi-automatique basé sur des techniques TLN. Voir: Le vocabulaire scientifique européen.

Vous devez vous identifier ou vous inscrire pour utiliser cette fonction

Programme(s)

Programmes de financement pluriannuels qui définissent les priorités de l’UE en matière de recherche et d’innovation.

Thème(s)

Les appels à propositions sont divisés en thèmes. Un thème définit un sujet ou un domaine spécifique dans le cadre duquel les candidats peuvent soumettre des propositions. La description d’un thème comprend sa portée spécifique et l’impact attendu du projet financé.

Appel à propositions

Procédure par laquelle les candidats sont invités à soumettre des propositions de projet en vue de bénéficier d’un financement de l’UE.

Données non disponibles

Régime de financement

Régime de financement (ou «type d’action») à l’intérieur d’un programme présentant des caractéristiques communes. Le régime de financement précise le champ d’application de ce qui est financé, le taux de remboursement, les critères d’évaluation spécifiques pour bénéficier du financement et les formes simplifiées de couverture des coûts, telles que les montants forfaitaires.

RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)

Coordinateur

THE PROVOST, FELLOWS AND SCHOLARS OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN HEREINAFTER TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
Contribution de l’UE
Aucune donnée
Adresse
Smurfit Institute,Trinity College
2 DUBLIN
Irlande

Voir sur la carte

Coût total

Les coûts totaux encourus par l’organisation concernée pour participer au projet, y compris les coûts directs et indirects. Ce montant est un sous-ensemble du budget global du projet.

Aucune donnée
Mon livret 0 0