EPICURE - Functional Genomics and Neurobiology of Epilepsy: a basis for new therapeutic strategies (Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health) (2007-01-01 - 2010-12-31)(»add to infobox)
ACRONYM:
EPICURE
BUDGET:
13.726.700 €
FUNDING:
9.883.260 €
INSTRUMENT:
Integrated Project
PROGRAMME:
Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health
Epilepsies are chronic disorders with a prevalence of 1% worldwide including Europe; they severely affect the quality of life of patients, especially of those (one third) who are drug-resistant. They are multifactorial disorders sharing common pathophysiological mechanisms among which dysfunctions in voltage-gated and ligand-gated (receptors) ion channels and alterations in structure and function of neuronal networks play a major role. This project will identify disease-causing genes and their functional role in the pathophysiology of neuronal excitability and network synchronization, using complementary advanced methods. The work will be focused on voltage-gated Na+ channels and GABAergic synaptic inhibition . Their crucial epileptogenic role is recognized for both inherited acquired epilepsies and will be investigated in animal models and human tissue with a focus on drug resistant temporal lobe epilepsy and epilepsies due to developmental cortical abnormalities. A main effort is devoted to investigate developmental aspects of epileptogenesis that account for the high frequency of epilepsies in children and for their often severe prognosis. Strictly related to the above research lines are the pharmacological approaches by which EPICURE aims at developing more effective antiepileptic strategies, at understanding the biological bases of pharmacoresistance and at evaluating the potential of innovative therapeutic approaches based on synaptic modulation by neurotrophic factors and cell cycle kinase inhibitors. Despite the internationally recognized role of epilepsy research in Europe, the leading research groups lack a central coordination to take advantage of cross-fertilization and synergistic effects. EPICURE intends to bring together expertise from different research areas both clinical and laboratory-based with the common goal of advancing European epilepsy research to bring about novel therapeutic benefits to patients.
