Project

A multi-omics approach to address neuronal development upon ZFHX3 deficiency

Code
365X00120
Duration
01 December 2020 → 31 December 2022
Funding
Funding by bilateral agreement (private and foundations)
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Computational transcriptomics and epigenomics
    • Clinical genetics and molecular diagnostics
    • Epigenetics
    • Genetics
    • Stem cell biology
Keywords
ZFHX3 CRISPR zebrafish neuronal progenitors
 
Project description

The general aim of this study is to elucidate the role of the transcription factor ZFHX3 in (syndromal) intellectual disability/autism and will comprise the functional characterization of ZFHX3 during neuronal development, both in vitro and in vivo. Hence, identifying binding partners as well as (in)direct DNA and RNA targets and their respective changes during normal neuronal differentiation, represents the starting point of the proposed research work. Subsequently, the molecular, morphological and spatial effects of ZFHX3 overexpression and knockout will be studied in vitro. In addition, zebrafish zfhx3 knockout models will be generated to study changes in neuronal networks and behavioral characteristics. Overall, this study will elucidate the role of ZFHX3 in neuronal development and provide insights why loss of function is causing disease.