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zfRESCUE

zfRESCUE

Project Summary

By using a zebrafish cdkl5 mutant, previously validated as a model for human CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), as a first line of screening of two available libraries containing molecules already used for other purposes, we have identified 30 molecules capable of rescuing in part or totally the abnormal behavior phenotype of mutant cdkl5 fish. Our results also revealed deficits in motor neurons numbers, decreased bone formation leading to lower bone density and craniofacial malformations, microcephaly and abnormal production of sperm and oocytes leading to reduced viable offspring, a finding not previously reported for CDD. Treatment of the mutant fish with a selected set of candidate molecules identified in our screening confirmed their capacity to rescue some of these phenotypes. Our general aim now is to provide additional evidence to repurpose some of these molecules as potential candidates for treating CDKL5 deficiency disorder.

zfRESCUE

Project Activities

  1. Confirm the capability of a selected group of molecules identified in the previous screening to rescue skeletal and neuronal phenotypes
  2. Confirm the suitability of molecules identified in Task 1 for rescuing altered gene expression pathways affected in cdkl5 fish by RNA seq and proteomic analysis
  3. Confirm changes in skeletal structures in cdkl5 fish and their rescue by microCT analysis of 1 and 5-month-old fish
  4. Analyze the possible rescue of behavioral deficits in cdkl5−/− zebrafish through the injection of human CDKL2 mRNA

Funded by:

Orphan Disease Center
Loulou Foundation