MicroRNA analysis in MS patients according to disease and phenotype
Team:
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L. D鈥檃uria, V. van Pesch
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O. Perdaens, A. Dang
Funding sources:
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Fondation Louvain
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Bayer educational grants
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Fonds Sp茅ciaux de Recherche (FSR, UCL)
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Belgian Charcot Foundation
Challenges:
In order to find new disease-related biomarkers for MS and other neurological disorders, we have screened for over 140 different inflammation-related microRNAs (miRNAs). We have discovered that some miRNAs were dysregulated in the CSF of MS patient according to disease activity, with certain also expressed during infectious neurological disorders. We are currently analyzing miRNAs in PBMC and sera of MS patient to determine whether the miRNA levels are correlated with the levels found in the CSF. The functional role of the miRNA in MS will be investigated (see Projects 4 & 5, next page).
Manuscript in preparation
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Extracellular vesicles as carrier of miRNA and lipids: Involvement in MS pathogenesis
Team:
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L. D鈥檃uria, V. van Pesch
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O. Perdaens, A. da Silva Pereira, M. Paul, Z. Nasr, A. Dang听
Funding sources:
- Fondation Louvain
- Fonds Sp茅ciaux de Recherche (FSR, UCL)
- Belgian Charcot Foundation
Challenges:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are circulating structures increasingly recognized for their roles in intercellular communication by carrying proteins, bioactive lipids and microRNAs.听 We are investigating the exact nature of the lipids and miRNAs in EVs and the extent to which EVs loaded with specific lipid and miRNAs are correlated with MS-related inflammation (PhD of Miss Perdaens) and oligodendrocyte biology (Project e).
Work in progress.听
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The role of EVs and their content in oligodendrocyte development, myelin integrity and myelination
Team:
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L. D鈥檃uria, V. van Pesch
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A. da Silva Pereira, Z. Nasr
Funding sources:
- Fondation Louvain
- Belgian Charcot Foundation
Challenges:
MS is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the disruption of the lipid membrane myelin produced by oligodendrocytes, although the myelin pathogenesis is poorly understood. This project will assess the functional role of lipid/miRNA-EV in oligodendrocyte and myelin biology in order to discover putative novel therapeutic strategies to treat MS.
Work in progress.听