Multi-Omics Brain Organoid dissection of Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is one of the most severe developmental epileptic disorders in children, characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, developmental delay, and high risk of premature death. While approximately 80% of patients carry loss-of-function mutations in the SCN1A gene, clinical outcomes vary significantly, suggesting that other molecular and cellular factors influence disease manifestation. Although we know this mutation impairs inhibitory neuron function, it remains unclear 1) which other brain cell types are affected and 2) how these cells respond to the pathogenic environment by altering their genome regulation and cellular metabolism. MOBODS aims to map disrupted molecular pathways in DS at single-cell resolution, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates brain organoid models, time-series multi-omics data, and computational methods. This research tackles three key challenges: identifying cell type-specific transcriptional changes, mapping gene regulatory network perturbations, and characterizing metabolic dysfunctions. By linking the genetic basis of DS with its clinical variability, these results can help develop in the long term more personalized therapies, particularly important as over 50% of DS patients are currently resistant to conventional treatments and require multiple anti-seizure medications. Furthermore, improved molecular characterization of DS symptoms can help reduce the stigma associated with epilepsy. Standardizing and validating the terminology used to describe symptoms can support patients in overcoming both interpersonal and institutional stigma, such as challenges in social interactions or discrimination in employment and insurance policies. Through this project, I will gain independence in experimental research, expertise in large-scale genetic studies, and leadership skills—all crucial for securing a tenure-track position in molecular and computational biology and effectively managing research resources.