Research theme: Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
Mechanisms that control disturbed neuronal and neuromuscular signaling
Using a Mea1k chip model consisting of 26,400 platinum electrodes, we can detect extracellular postsynaptic potentials from muscle and nerve cells. We work with both primary neurons and iPSC cells that are differentiated into motor neurons, cortical neurons and muscle cells. In this model system, we can simulate various diseases, primarily MG, to map the temporal course in the onset of disturbed neuromuscular transmission. This enables individualized patient models.
För mer information, se:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6190753/pdf/fphys-09-01424.pdf
Novel biomarkers in MG
We have succeeded in detecting small non-coding RNAs; so-called microRNAs, where the levels of some microRNAs (miR-150-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-30e-5p) have been elevated in the blood at different types of MG. Follow-up studies are underway to try to validate these microRNAs in larger cohorts and over time to see if they have a prognostic value. The goal is to try to develop individualized treatment for MG patients based on these different microRNAs. We also develop predictive models, to link these microRNAs to a protein profile.
PhD projects:
Pregnancy-related complications in MG
PhD student: Laura O´Connor
The aim is to study health complications during pregnancy that require inpatient care as well as specific obstetric complications that exist during pregnancy and childbirth. This is a doctoral project and primarily an epidemiological study based on the National Board of Health and Welfare's register. As a sub-project to study how microRNA levels change during pregnancy because microRNAs can be promising biomarkers for the MG disease course.
Collaborating partner: Professor Anna-Karin Wikström, Obstetrics
Nation-wide study of autoimmune encephalitis
PhD student: Sonja Kosek
The aim is to map the prevalence of autoimmune encephalitis regarding various antibodies in Sweden. In addition, a compilation of clinical and neurophysiological picture with EEG in patients with autoimmune encephalitis in the Uppsala area of admission. In addition, a subproject examines the protein profile of patients with autoimmune encephalitis and attempts are made to simulate neuronal signaling disorder in the Mea1k chip.
Collaborator: Associate Professor Joachim Burman, Neurology
Mapping of disease mechanisms in MG through synapse studies on the Mea1k chip
PhD student: Yu-Fang Huang
The aim of this project is to establish an in-vitro human cell model for MG of human iPSC cells and study the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways in this model. This model enables studies of time courses for the presynaptic and postsynaptic events that result in disturbed neuromuscular transmission. One goal is also to characterize the complement-induced attack on the muscle membrane at MG.
Collaborating partner: Associate Professor Mia Lindskog, Neurophysiology