South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland has secured €159,589 in funding from ELA International (European Leukodystrophy Association) to advance gene therapy research for Canavan disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting young children.
The grant will support a two-year research project led by Dr. Lee Coffey at SETU in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Medical School, marking the first time ELA International has funded an Irish-based research project since its establishment in 2015.
Personal Connection Drives Scientific Innovation
Dr. Coffey's research journey took a profound turn in 2018 when his identical twin brother, also a SETU graduate, received devastating news that both his young sons had been diagnosed with Canavan disease. This personal connection transformed Dr. Coffey's scientific focus, adding gene therapy development to his research priorities.
"We are incredibly grateful to ELA International for recognising the potential impact of our work," said Dr. Coffey. "This award not only supports our ongoing collaboration with Professors Guangping Gao and Dominic Gessler at UMASS Medical School but also places Ireland on the global map for rare disease gene therapy development."
Understanding Canavan Disease
Canavan disease is a rare form of leukodystrophy caused by mutations in the ASPA gene. These mutations lead to a deficiency in the ASPA enzyme in the brain, resulting in severe developmental issues and typically causing death in early childhood.
The condition belongs to a group of disorders known as leukodystrophies, which affect the development and maintenance of myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers in the brain. Without proper myelin formation and maintenance, the nervous system cannot function correctly.
Enhanced Gene Therapy Approach
The SETU-UMASS collaboration is developing an innovative gene therapy that aims to introduce a high-performance version of the ASPA gene. This enhanced approach could potentially offer greater therapeutic benefits compared to conventional gene replacement strategies.
The research builds upon earlier work supported by postgraduate funding, which culminated in a completed PhD and a joint patent application filed by UMASS and SETU. Dr. Sarah Foley, who played a central role in the initial project as Dr. Coffey's PhD student, will return to SETU as a research fellow on this newly funded study.
"It's an honour to continue this research at SETU," said Dr. Foley. "The science is incredibly exciting, but what drives all of us is the possibility of changing outcomes for families living with this devastating disease."
Institutional Support and Global Impact
Professor Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, emphasized the significance of this research: "This award exemplifies SETU's commitment to impactful, people-centred research. Dr. Coffey's work is a powerful example of how personal experience can inspire global collaboration and scientific excellence. We are proud to support research that not only advances the frontiers of gene therapy but has the potential to transform lives."
ELA International's decision to fund this project highlights Ireland's growing reputation in biomedical research and SETU's role in fostering globally impactful research. As a globally recognized charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research and treatment for leukodystrophies, ELA International's support provides crucial validation for this innovative approach.
The collaboration between SETU and UMASS Medical School represents a significant step forward in addressing the unmet medical needs of children with Canavan disease, potentially offering hope to families affected by this devastating condition worldwide.
