CAJAL | OsteoCalcin Autophagy to reJuvenate motoneuronAL function

Summary
Brain aging is characterized by a progressive decline of our nervous system functions. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms is of vital importance and represents an unmet medical need. Recent studies have highlighted the molecular contribution of several organs in brain aging, and emphasize the importance of systemic milieu in the control of cognitive fitness. Host has identified Osteocalcin (Ocn), a bone-derived hormone, as a rejuvenating systemic factor that improves memory in aged-mice. However, the impact of systemic factors in our locomotor functions and their therapeutic potential remain unexplored.

CAJAL aims to elucidate the role of the pro-rejuvenating hormone Ocn in the age-related motoneuron (MN) and locomotor dysfunctions. Our preliminary data show that Ocn receptor is highly expressed in spinal MNs and that Ocn influences MN autophagy, an essential endogenous mechanism for locomotor performance. We propose to analyse the potential protective role of Ocn-autophagy in MNs to maintain locomotor activity. By shedding light on key molecular mechanisms fostering MN homeostasis, CAJAL could lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat/prevent age-related decline of locomotor system.

The specific objectives are:
1) Characterize the impact of systemic milieu/Ocn in regulating autophagy in spinal MNs
2) Analyze the therapeutic potential of Ocn in age-related locomotor decline
3) Decipher the role of Ocn-dependent autophagy in locomotor function and its signalling pathway

The project is designed to extend my scientific expertise and transfer my knowledge in autophagy and MN homeostasis to Host. Project and risk management, intellectual property rights, and communication activities are meticulously planned.
We have generated the required molecular tools and mouse models, as well as strong collaborations with international experts in autophagy, neuroendocrinology and aging. Supervisor experience together with INEM represent the best environment to develop CAJAL.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101029060
Start date: 01-06-2021
End date: 31-05-2023
Total budget - Public funding: 184 707,84 Euro - 184 707,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Brain aging is characterized by a progressive decline of our nervous system functions. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms is of vital importance and represents an unmet medical need. Recent studies have highlighted the molecular contribution of several organs in brain aging, and emphasize the importance of systemic milieu in the control of cognitive fitness. Host has identified Osteocalcin (Ocn), a bone-derived hormone, as a rejuvenating systemic factor that improves memory in aged-mice. However, the impact of systemic factors in our locomotor functions and their therapeutic potential remain unexplored.

CAJAL aims to elucidate the role of the pro-rejuvenating hormone Ocn in the age-related motoneuron (MN) and locomotor dysfunctions. Our preliminary data show that Ocn receptor is highly expressed in spinal MNs and that Ocn influences MN autophagy, an essential endogenous mechanism for locomotor performance. We propose to analyse the potential protective role of Ocn-autophagy in MNs to maintain locomotor activity. By shedding light on key molecular mechanisms fostering MN homeostasis, CAJAL could lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat/prevent age-related decline of locomotor system.

The specific objectives are:
1) Characterize the impact of systemic milieu/Ocn in regulating autophagy in spinal MNs
2) Analyze the therapeutic potential of Ocn in age-related locomotor decline
3) Decipher the role of Ocn-dependent autophagy in locomotor function and its signalling pathway

The project is designed to extend my scientific expertise and transfer my knowledge in autophagy and MN homeostasis to Host. Project and risk management, intellectual property rights, and communication activities are meticulously planned.
We have generated the required molecular tools and mouse models, as well as strong collaborations with international experts in autophagy, neuroendocrinology and aging. Supervisor experience together with INEM represent the best environment to develop CAJAL.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2020

Update Date

28-04-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
MSCA-IF-2020 Individual Fellowships