Unveiling the functional outcome of single nucleotide polymorphisms and variants...
Unveiling the functional outcome of single nucleotide polymorphisms and variants in oligodendroglia in multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by autoimmune attack targeting oligodendroglia (OLG) in the central nervous system (CNS), and in particular their myelin, which ensheaths neuronal axons. Genome-wide...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by autoimmune attack targeting oligodendroglia (OLG) in the central nervous system (CNS), and in particular their myelin, which ensheaths neuronal axons. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have led to the identification of hundreds of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and variants that are associated with MS risk. Many of these are located near genes associated with immune cells, indicating a key role for these cells in MS. Using single-cell omics approaches, we recently found that OLG present chromatin accessibility or express genes associated with some of these SNPs/variants, both in health and disease. Here, we hypothesize that OLG have a more active role in MS than previously anticipated, and therefore we will determine the function of MS SNPs/variants in OLG in the context of MS, using humanized mouse models, patient samples and new single-cell omics techniques recently developed in my group. We will 1) characterize in-depth the transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape of human and mouse OLG in the context of MS, to identify putative genes affected by the SNPs/variants; 2) perform CRISPR-guided editing of a cohort of the identified SNPs/variants in human OLG, and determine the consequences of the editing at a) an epigenomic and transcriptional level, linking specific SNPs/variants to their bona-fide target genes, and b) a functional level, by performing an array of functional assays targeting myelination, cell survival, and immune function, both in vitro and in humanized mouse chimeras in which engineered human OLG have been transplanted. We will use single-cell and spatial omics technologies, such as nanoCUT&Tag and spatial CUT&Tag, among others which we have recently developed in my research group. The results of this project will yield unique insights into the role of OLG and the identified SNPs/variants in MS, and thereby pave the way to novel therapeutic avenues for this disease.ver más
Seleccionando "Aceptar todas las cookies" acepta el uso de cookies para ayudarnos a brindarle una mejor experiencia de usuario y para analizar el uso del sitio web. Al hacer clic en "Ajustar tus preferencias" puede elegir qué cookies permitir. Solo las cookies esenciales son necesarias para el correcto funcionamiento de nuestro sitio web y no se pueden rechazar.
Cookie settings
Nuestro sitio web almacena cuatro tipos de cookies. En cualquier momento puede elegir qué cookies acepta y cuáles rechaza. Puede obtener más información sobre qué son las cookies y qué tipos de cookies almacenamos en nuestra Política de cookies.
Son necesarias por razones técnicas. Sin ellas, este sitio web podría no funcionar correctamente.
Son necesarias para una funcionalidad específica en el sitio web. Sin ellos, algunas características pueden estar deshabilitadas.
Nos permite analizar el uso del sitio web y mejorar la experiencia del visitante.
Nos permite personalizar su experiencia y enviarle contenido y ofertas relevantes, en este sitio web y en otros sitios web.