Analysis of protein misfolding as a pathogenetic mechanism in autoinflammatory diseases

Objective

Autoinflammatory diseases (AID) are an emerging group of mainly inherited disorders that lead to an innate immune dysregulation of cytokines. The common features are recurrent episodes of inflammation with fever. Systemic amyloidosis is the primary long-term morbidity, while treatment options are scarce. Thus, AID are associated with chronic disability and a significant impact on the health care system. Current data suggest protein misfolding with loss-of-function as a missense-induced principle in three monogenetic AID: tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 associated periodic syndrome, hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with periodic fever syndrome, and familial Mediterranean fever. The objective of this project is therefore to systematically elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these AID with the ultimate goal to develop targeted therapeutic strategies. A high-end technological platform will be used to analyze conformation, stability and function of the three mutant proteins TNFRSF1A, mevalonate kinase and pyrin. Analyses will be supplemented by the investigation of the effect of compound heterozygosity and digenity on protein misfolding. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) partners will be analyzed by the automated bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technology for detection of PPI in living cells, thus allowing for an in-depth functional understanding of the target proteins. A hypothesis driven approach will be established to identify candidate compounds with potential protein-stabilizing properties followed by experimental validation of the chaperone effect. This innovative, translational approach sets the ground for future targeted therapies in AID. The project also will help to reintegrate a well-recognized physician-scientist with substantial clinical and scientific expertise in AID in Germany, thereby significantly increasing European excellence, while simultaneously supporting a lasting co-operation with the United States.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

• medical and health sciences health sciences inflammatory diseases
• natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
• natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

• FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG - Marie Curie Action: "Reintegration Grants"

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG)

Coordinator