Targeting extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated glycans in epileptogenesis

 

 

 

Background:

SE induces changes in expression of numerous ECM molecules and ECM degrading proteases, which results in degradation of hyaluronic acid and aggrecan-rich ECM of perineuronal nets associated with fast-spiking interneurons. Our data show that enzymatic removal of hyaluronic acid or heparan sulfates leads to epileptiform activity. Also degradation of chondroitin sulfates enables developmental plasticity and rearrangement of neural networks and thus may be a key event for formation of hyperexcitable networks. We aim (1) to verify if removal of the ECM glycans during critical periods of development or before SE in the adult brain would facilitate epileptogenesis in vivo; (2) to study if treatments promoting aggregation or preventing proteolytic degradation of ECM proteoglycans are anti-epileptogenic in vitro and in vivo.

 

 

Supervisor / co-supervisor: Dr. Alexander Dityatev/Dr. Oleg Senkov or someone with similar expertise.

 

To apply :

send a CV, a copy of higher education diploma, a list of completed subjects and grades achieved, and a motivation letter stating research interests and indicating the first and second choice among ECMED partners to Prof. Alexander Dityatev.