Goals
- Participate in ImmunoChip project testing narcolepsy samples
- Learn about the genes predisposing to narcolepsy
- Raise narcolepsy visibilty to that of other autoimmune diseases
- May lead to eventual therapeutic interventions to prevent narcolepsy
- Narcolepsy may be a model for other disorders of the brain
Overview
Narcolepsy is common; it affects 1 in 2000 people, a frequency similar to to Type 1 Diabetes or Mutliple Sclerosis. With recent and exciting findings there is now no doubt that narcolepsy is caused by an autoimmune destruction of 70,000 brain cells producing hypocretin, a wake producing substance. Despite recent advances there is little funding of narcolepsy research; less than one thousandth the funding that goes to Type 1 Diabetes for example. This is unfortunate as narcolepsy may be the first example of a neuronal specific autoimmune disorder, and may be a model for other diseases such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism.
The goal of the ImmunoChip Project is to compare and contrast the genes involved in over 20 autoimmune diseases (about 50,000 samples). The funds from the Pepsi grant would allow for the Stanford CFN to include 4,200 narcolepsy samples in this important international collaboration increasing visibility.
How will the 250K be Used? |
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| Budget Notes: Budget will not cover the travel expenses of Dr. Mignot's to attend the International Conference nor the salaries of those that will analyze the results. | |
| $ 166,700 | $40 direct cost per sample (4,167 patients) |
| $ 83,300 | $20 indirect costs per sample - preparation, shipping, staff, etc. |
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