We had an overwhelming response to this year's grant program with over 400 qualified applications worldwide. Many projects were of extremely high quality and deciding on which applications to accept was very difficult.

Ultimately, our review panel decided on awarding grants to the following nine researchers:

Project title: Investigating the roles of miRNAs in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory
Abstract: It is widely recognised that long-term plasticity and memory require changes in the proteome, however the role of miRNAs in the regulation of protein expression during these processes is only just beginning to be studied. We aim to identify miRNAs involved in the acquisition and consolidation of recognition memory and identify targets of these miRNAs.

Project title: Targeting neurons to understand the microRNA framework in the brain
Abstract: We are using a rationally designed ligand-based system to deliver locked nucleic acids to specific neurons for altering microRNA function. The goal is to understand how microRNAs regulate dopamine homeostasis and reverse chemically-induced neuronal insults.

Project title: Building the brain: Learning to read the miRNA blueprint
Abstract: miRNAs were discovered as timekeepers, genes that keep developmental events on schedule. We hope to acquire as comprehensive a view as possible of the role of miRNAs in temporal control of the brain’s architecture. We will first describe and then manipulate miRNA expression to reveal new features in the design of the mammalian cortex.

Project title: Developing a novel biochemical strategy to identify microRNAs targeting a specific transcript in a cellular context
Abstract: For most researchers investigating different biological problems, the key requirement is a reproducible strategy to identify microRNAs that target their gene of interest. We have developed a biochemical strategy of co-immunoprecipitating microRNA/mRNA interactions to identify physiologically relevant associations, and identify microRNAs that target a transcript in a cellular context.

Project title: Probing the roles of microRNAs in neurodegenerative diseases
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly but currently there is no effective therapy. MicroRNAs opened new era in the regulation of gene expression. We are interested in identifying novel microRNAs that modulate AD pathogenesis by screening microRNAs with miRCURY LNA miRNA inhibitors. We hope that this approach will lead us to find new therapeutic candidates for this devastating disease.

Project title: Profiling microRNA Expression in the Pancreas of Placentally Restricted Young Adult Sheep Offspring
Abstract: Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR), due to reduced oxygen and nutrients before birth, causes diabetes in later life, partly due to reduced insulin secretory capacity and defects in the endocrine pancreas. This study will see if microRNA expression in the pancreas of adult IUGR sheep contributes to their poor insulin secretion.

Project title: Circulating microRNAs as powerful long-term biomarkers in Anti-Doping field
Abstract: The development of a minimally invasive test for the detection of forbidden substances in blood could greatly help the fight against doping in general. Circulating miRNAs have been demonstrated to be very specific and stable. Indeed, our preliminary results to detect blood doping lay the foundation for the development of miRNAs as a novel class of blood-based doping biomarkers.

Project title: To combat overweight, obesity, and diabetes: Novel mechanisms with impact on white/brown fat cell balance
Abstract: Redirecting fat metabolism from energy storage to energy expenditure is a novel and promising strategy to fight overweight, obesity, and diabetes. We aim at identifying novel molecular mechanisms that are involved in the shift from energy storing white to energy dissipating brown adipocytes.

Project title: The role of microRNAs in regulating local translation in neurons
Abstract: The neuron is a highly polarized cell type with special requirements for restricted gene expression. One way this restriction is achieved is by mRNA localization and regulated translation, possibly by microRNAs. My project aims to study the role of microRNAs in local translation by manipulating and measuring their levels in neurons, and by visualizing their spatial distribution.