Project

Study of DDR/PARP1 signaling in the pathogenesis and treatment of soft tissue mineralization, using pseudoxanthoma elasticum as a model.

Code
G031523N
Duration
01 January 2023 → 31 December 2026
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Cell signaling
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Clinical genetics and molecular diagnostics
    • Biomarker discovery
    • Compound screening
    • In vitro testing
Keywords
Evaluating PARP1-related signaling as a therapeutic target in PXE in vitro and in vivo Study of PARP1 activation as underlying cause of generalized ectopic mineralization Identifying disease markers and predictors for PXE
 
Project description

DNA damage response (DDR) mechanisms - in particular PARP1 signaling - are suggested to be important in the emergence of soft tissue mineralization (STM). A hallmark STM disorder is pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), caused by mutations in the liver transporter ABCC6, with a complex and incompletely understood pathogenesis. Several dysregulated mediators in PXE show remarkable resemblance with PARP1 signaling cascades; our preliminary data show activated PARP1 signaling in PXE patients, reduced mineralization in vitro and in vivo after PARP inhibition, and identify miR-204 as a regulator. Now, we will perform a more profound study of the pathophysiological role of PARP1 signaling in PXE and evaluate its use as a biomarker and therapeutic target for this intractable disease. First, we will study the mechanisms involved in activating the DDR/PARP1 cascade in PXE fibroblasts and the regulatory role of miRNAs. Second, we will evaluate possible correlations between PARP1 activity, circulating miRNAs and PARP1-related genomic variants and the clinical severity of PXE. Finally, we will evaluate several known PARP1 inhibitors as potential treatment in PXE, using in vitro and in vivo models. Taken together, this project will lead to major advances in the complex pathogenesis of PXE, will delineate non-invasive (miRNA) biomarkers for the disease and will lead to novel therapies by drug-repurposing for this disorder. As such it will significantly improve patient management and treatment.