Purpose

The Collaborative Center for X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (CCXDP) supports an international consortium of scientists, clinicians, and patient advocates working together to advance research and treatments for X- Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP), a debilitating neurodegenerative disease endemic to the Philippines. CCXDP is now seeking applications for its 2024-25 Research Funding Program. Three grant mechanisms are offered:

  • Investigator Awards: 2 years, up to $250,000/year in direct costs
  • Exploratory Pilot Grants: 1 year, up to $100,000 in direct costs
  • Postdoctoral fellowships: 2 years, $75,000/year in direct costs

In addition to the amounts listed above, awards will provide 10% indirect costs to recipient institutions.

Research Objectives for the 2024-2025 Funding Program

CCXDP welcomes applications from investigators in all disciplines proposing bold and rigorous approaches to the study of XDP. We particularly encourage proposals that apply insights gained from studies of other neurodegenerative disorders to investigations of potential disease mechanisms in XDP. Collaborative projects, which may include teams at different institutions, are permitted, and applicants are encouraged to review the list of cell and tissue resources available from CCXDP.

Areas of particular interest include, but are not limited to:

  • The role of glial cells in XDP pathogenesis, including the potential contribution of neuroinflammation.
  • Cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal cell death in XDP, including the characterization of candidate targets and/or pathways that may be common among other neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Molecular studies of the XDP-specific SVA element, including but not limited to potential regulation by host cell factors, RNA transcription, and/or DNA replication dynamics.
  • Screening projects that develop models and/or assays to seek compounds that modulate XDP-related phenotypes, with emphasis on opportunities for drug repurposing.
  • Projects that leverage machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and analyze phenotypes in XDP model systems.
  • Functional analyses of TAF1 protein, including but not limited to mechanisms of gene regulation and/or interactions with partner proteins, with specific emphasis on how these functions may be affected in XDP cells.

Available Resources

CCXDP has generated biospecimens and reagents which are available for research studies, including:

  • DNA from XDP patients and unaffected relatives
  • Fibroblasts, lymphoblasts, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from XDP patients and unaffected relatives
  • Post-mortem human brain tissue from XDP patients
  • Novel TAF1 antibodies

For a complete list of available resources and details about acquiring reagents, please see: www.massgeneral.org/neurology/xdp-center/resources

Application Timeline

September 16, 2024:              Letters of intent due by 5pm EST

November 11, 2024:               Full applications due by 5pm EST

May 2025:                               Funding decisions announced

July 2025:                                Anticipated project start

For additional information, contact Dr. Amy Alessi, CCXDP Program Director, at aalessi@mgb.org

Application Instructions

Step 1:  Complete the initial inquiry on the CCXDP grant portal here.

Step 2: Submit Letter of intent (LOI) in grants portal by Sept 16th

Submission of an LOI is required.  Each will be reviewed and an invitation to apply will be sent if approved.

Step 3: Submit full grant application in grants portal by November 11th. To preview application instructions and required documents, see below.

Additional Application Resources

For any questions, please contact Dr. Amy Alessi, CCXDP Program Director, at aalessi@mgb.org.