MECHANISMS OF RESISTANCE TO EXCITOTOXIC CELL DEATH

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This application is a direct continuation of our previous grant directed at the genetic mapping of QTL controlling seizure-induced cell death susceptibility in the C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ mouse inbred strains, which differ markedly in their susceptibility to seizure-induced cell death. During the initial funding cycle of this program, we identified 3 susceptibility loci for this complex trait (Sicd1-3) through outcross to C57BL/6J and FVB/NJ mice. In the most recent funding cycle, these loci have been confirmed using reciprocal congenic strains and using interval-specific congenic strains, we have successfully narrowed down our Sicd1 locus to a 3.66 Mb interval. In this application, we propose to use the established congenic strains to: 1) identify quantitative trait genes for Sicd1 and determine if allelic differences in our candidate gene in Sicd1 can control seizure-induced cell death susceptibility in mice; 2) to define and characterize the role of specific candidate genes for the Sicd2 susceptibility locus using exon expression profiling; and 3) to investigate the epistatic interaction between Sicd1 and Sicd2 QTLs influencing susceptibility to seizure-induced cell death. In Aim 1, we will identify prospective candidate genes for the Sicd1 locus and determine whether differences in expression of our candidate gene can result in differential susceptibility to seizure-induced cell death by making several different types of transgenic mice. In Aim 2, we will use existing congenic strains or mice from new, highly informative crosses to further localize and identify the genes responsible for mapping to Sicd2 by recombinational methods combined with transcriptome analysis. Lastly, in Aim 3, we will determine if loci from Sicd1 and from Sicd2 act in a complementary fashion to alter susceptibility to seizure-induced cell death. Taken together, these experiments will elucidate pathways critical for the survival of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy and aid in the identification of candidate seizure-induced cell death modifier genes in the mouse. An understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of this disease is essential to the rational design of therapeutic interventions. As well, the characterization of cell death pathways in epilepsy may provide insights into mechanisms involved in other neurodegenerative disorders in which excitotoxicity plays a central role.