The overall aim of this project is to identify the potential role of DNA methylation changes as biomarker of ARSACS progression. We previously demonstrated that patients affected by ARSACS showed changes in DNA methylation pattern, indicating that epigenetics might have a role in disease pathogenesis. These findings encouraged us to get deeper in this field and hypothesize that changes in DNA methylation could constitute a biomarker of disease progression. To achieve our aim, we will analyze the most biologically significant regions of the human methylome in a large group of patients in the context of patients' clinical history and disease progression.
Grant: $49,500
Duration : one year
Contact:
Dr. Daniele Galatolo
Molecular Medicine for Neurodegenerative and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit
IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation
via dei Giacinti 2,
56128 Calambrone (Pisa) - Italy
daniele.galatolo@fsm.unipi.it
Dr Giulia De Rosi
Co-project investigator
