Project Details
Description
PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
We seek to perform in-depth characterization studies to unravel the clinico-pathological variability associated
with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and related neurodegenerative diseases caused by an expanded repeat in
the C9orf72-SMCR8 complex subunit (C9orf72). To this end, we will examine a range of neuroanatomical
regions (e.g., frontal cortex, temporal cortex, motor cortex, spinal cord, and cerebellum) and span the full
spectrum from frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) – a neuropathological diagnosis of FTD – to
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For each region, we will assess features of C9orf72-linked diseases, such
as levels of C9orf72 transcripts, RNA foci, and dipeptide repeat proteins (Aim 1). Moreover, we will use an
innovative targeted long-read sequencing technology to measure the size, purity, and methylation status of the
expanded repeat. Additionally, we will perform whole-tissue RNA sequencing to detect overall changes in a
complex context, basically taking a snapshot (Aim 2). This data will be accompanied by single-nuclei
transcriptomic data to acquire gene expression levels while deciphering the cellular diversity encountered in
the central nervous system. Since splicing defects have been reported in C9orf72-related diseases, we will
combine short- and long-read sequencing strategies. The inclusion of long-read sequencing data creates the
opportunity to obtain the full-length transcriptome with highly accurate splice junctions, even for large
transcripts. These combined approaches, therefore, will enable us to capture the entire landscape of
transcriptomic changes. Top hits identified through our in-depth transcriptomic studies will be further
investigated in our extensive collection of clinical and pathological specimens and tested as potential
biomarkers.
Taken together, our detailed examinations will uncover crucial region- and disease-specific similarities
and/or differences, thus laying the foundation for improved understanding of the heterogeneity associated with
the FTLD-ALS spectrum and the identification of disease modifiers, translatable biomarkers, and therapeutic
targets.
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 6/15/22 → 5/31/25 |
Funding
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: $2,351,241.00
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