Funding Summary
Dr. Schaaf’s previous research showed that the ‘support cells’ in the brain (astrocytes) express receptors for oxytocin, are critically involved in the modulation of social behavior and anxiety, and that there are differences in both number and anatomical location of these astrocytes in healthy mice compared to a PWS mouse model. In this second year of funding, the team extend their studies to investigate whether these astrocytes contribute to abnormal behavior in PWS mice, and whether these cells could be a valid target for therapeutic interventions. This study will provide novel insights into how impaired oxytocin signaling affects behavior in PWS, laying the foundation for potential therapies targeting astrocytes.
Lay Abstract
This competitive renewal focuses on the role of oxytocin-receptor expressing astrocytes in the Magel2 KO mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Previous research showed that astrocytes expressing receptors for the neuropeptide oxytocin are critically involved in the modulation of social behavior and anxiety. A recent publication from our group demonstrated that there are differences in the number and anatomical location of these astrocytes in healthy wild type and Magel2 KO mice. Thus, with this competitive renewal we aim to follow up on these initial findings to investigate whether oxytocin-receptor expressing astrocytes might contribute to abnormal behavior in Magel2 KO mice and whether these cells could potentially be a valid target for therapeutic interventions. This study will provide novel insights into how impaired oxytocin signaling affects behavior in Magel2 KO mice and deciphering the underlying mechanisms could prove useful for the development of patient-specific therapies targeting astrocytes via viral approaches.
Funded Year:
2023
Awarded to:
Christian Schaaf, MD, PhD
Amount:
$162,000
Institution:
Heidelberg University Hospital
Researcher:
Christian Schaaf, MD, PhD
