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Project

Characteristics of CGG-repeats in the human genome and in disease.

Dynamic mutations, stretches of repetitive DNA sequences that inherit unstably in pedigrees, are an important cause of intellectual disability and autism. In this project, we argue that the number of a specific class of dynamic mutations, the CGG-repeats is grossly underestimated. We focus in on CGG-repeats, as these have already been implicated in multiple disorders and moreover because these induce epigenetic silencing of associated repeats. Using the latest algorithms we will catalogue all repeats in the genome and annotate which ones are potentially prone to expansion. In a large patient cohort, we will search for expansions of any of those repeat. The repeat expansions will be experimentally validated. Up till now, the epigenetic changes accompanying dynamic mutations have been presented as an all or nothing effect. In this application, we will challenge this dogma and will more accurately define epigentic changes associated with the full range of CGG-repeats at several loci in the human genome. In addition, we will define one novel repeat expansion disorder by creating a cellular model and subject this to transcriptomic and neuronal network analysis. In summary, our project will increase our insights in the role CGG-repeats play in the human genome and in neurodevelopmental disease.
Date:1 Jan 2021 →  Today
Keywords:GENETIC DISEASE, NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS, AUTISM, REPEAT AMPLIFICATION
Disciplines:Developmental genetics, Bioinformatics of disease, Cognitive neuroscience, Developmental neuroscience, Neurological and neuromuscular diseases