Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Translational Control in the developing cortex and its implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
| Title | Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Translational Control in the developing cortex and its implications for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. |
|---|---|
| Acronym | Neuro-Phase |
| Start date | 2025-05-01 |
| End date | 2027-04-30 |
| Sponsor | Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) |
| Institution | BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE |
Associated cell lines
Project Description
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), are a heterogeneous group of conditions leading to difficulties with speech, learning and other neurological functions greatly affecting patients and healthcare, societal, and educational systems. The rising prevalence of NDDs highlights the urgent need to understand their origins, often rooted in early cortical development. In humans, the cerebral cortex, responsible for cognitive functions like language and learning, is susceptible to disruptions during early brain development, a process tightly regulated by neuronal growth and protein synthesis. The coordination of biochemical events in eukaryotic cells, including protein synthesis, is facilitated by compartmentalizing key molecules either into organelles or as membraneless condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). LLPS is crucial for neurotransmission, memory, and synaptic plasticity. The Neuro-Phase project will investigate the role of LLPS and the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in NDDs.