Exploring Neuronal and Non-Neuronal Defects Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Many pathogenic mutations related to neurodevelopmental diseases are associated with both neuronal and non-neuronal features, however functional characterization and validations have mainly focused on the molecular basis of neuronal defects. Although these efforts will advance our understanding of the novel role of genes implicated in human diseases, how genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders play a role in non-neuronal phenotypes is still unclear. Therefore, it's necessary to analyze more neurodevelopmental genes for their role in non-neuronal phenotypes to be able to gain mechanistic insight into causing these phenotypes and further our understanding of the role of a gene in a system or organism level. In this project, we will utilize Drosophila melanogaster to study the effect of selected neurodevelopmental genes on the brain, wing, and intestine development. This project emphasizes the importance of genes toward both global and tissue-specific developmental mechanisms.

Lead Principal Investigator (LPI)

Sponsor

QNRF

Project ID

UREP28-269-1-051

Total Funding

QAR 50,000 for one year.