Targeting ASTROcytes with cutting edge EDITING technologies to treat the Alexand...
Targeting ASTROcytes with cutting edge EDITING technologies to treat the Alexander disease
Alexander disease (AxD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by missense mutations in the gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major intermediate filament protein in astrocytes. Accum...
ver más
¿Tienes un proyecto y buscas un partner? Gracias a nuestro motor inteligente podemos recomendarte los mejores socios y ponerte en contacto con ellos. Te lo explicamos en este video
Información proyecto ASTRO-EDITING
Duración del proyecto: 27 meses
Fecha Inicio: 2020-03-27
Fecha Fin: 2022-06-30
Fecha límite de participación
Sin fecha límite de participación.
Descripción del proyecto
Alexander disease (AxD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by missense mutations in the gene encoding the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major intermediate filament protein in astrocytes. Accumulation of GFAP aggregates in Rosenthal fibres leads to impairment of proteasomal activity and hyperactivation of the stress response, thus compromising astrocyte functions and altering the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). Currently, this orphan disease lacks a cure.
The proposed project aims at providing in vivo proof-of-concept of safety, efficiency and efficacy of a novel and definitive AAV gene therapy approach based on gene editing / base editing strategies targeting GFAP mutational hotspots to recover pathological phenotypes in astrocytes. The candidate expects to outline novel editing platforms for widespread in vivo targeting of CNS astrocytes that could be applied for the treatment of AxD, as proposed in ASTRO-EDITING, and prospectively for disease modelling studies and therapeutic treatments of other neurological and psychiatric disorders by targeting pathological pathways involved in primary astrocyte degeneration or dysfunctional/maladaptive astrogliosis.
The proposal addresses the European issue of Horizon 2020, in the social challenge Health, Demographic Change and Wellbeing endeavours for the call Better health and care, economic growth and sustainable health disease, subject SC1-BMC-04-2018 Rare Disease European Joint Programme Cofund.
The expertise of the host laboratory, the international environment of OSR and the personalized career development plan will significantly reinforce candidate's competences and knowledge in the gene therapy field, expand his portfolio of therapeutic areas, create a new research niche, and strengthen his organizational, management and interpersonal skills, thus favouring the progressive acquisition of independence as experienced researcher in the scientific community.