Background:
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease characterised by misregulation of the RNA binding protein TDP-43. A major challenge has been the lack of good TDP-43 disease models, thereby limiting ‘bench to bedside’ success. However, the use of CRISPR genome engineering technology now means we can create ‘knock-in’ models, which recapitulate human disease more closely. The Sreedharan laboratory and others are using CRISPR to create both mouse and human stem cell models of ALS that harbour disease-linked TDP-43 mutations. Together with the Al-Jamal lab, who have created advanced therapies and intranasal delivery approaches, these models are being used to understand disease mechanism and develop treatments for ALS.
Aim:
To derive TDP-43 knock-in human stem cell-derived neurons and test the efficacy of a range of drugs in vitro
To take the best candidate from the in vitro assays and test this in a TDP-43 knock-in mouse.
Skills the student will acquire:
Molecular biology, CRISPR
Biochemistry, RNA sequencing
Mouse husbandry, behavioural analysis, drug administration
Formulation and characterisation of nanomedicines
Drug quantification in tissues
Histology, microscopy
Proposed timeline:
Year 1 – Establish human stem cell lines with a novel TDP-43 mutation, derive and characterise neurons.
Year 2 – Treat neurons with candidate drugs. Identify best candidate, develop a formulation suitable for delivery to mice.
Year 3 – Expand colony of TDP-43 knock-in mutant mice. Administer drug. Analyse motor function. Harvest tissues.
Year 4 – Process tissues for histology, RNA sequencing to determine effect of drug on mitigating disease phenotypes.