Grant to explore genetic clues to cluster headache
The International Headache Society has awarded Felicia Jennysdotter Olofsgård a Junior Research Grant to study the biological mechanisms underlying cluster headache. The project will examine how genetic variants associated with the condition affect immune cells and may contribute to disease development.
Cluster headache is a severe headache disorder. In previous studies, researchers have identified genes that are linked to the condition, but it is still unclear exactly how these genes influence disease development. The newly funded project, "Investigating the Functional Consequences of Cluster Headache GWAS Related Genetic Variance in the Immune Cell of the Brain", aims to address that question.
Growing immune cells from blood samples
The research will focus on a gene called MERTK, which is found in large amounts in immune cells and may help regulate how the body responds to external threats. Researchers will grow immune cells from blood samples collected from people with cluster headache and from headache-free participants. They will then compare the levels of the gene in the cells and investigate whether cell function or immune responses differ between the groups.
“By following up genetic findings, we can better understand how the associated genes may contribute to disease and whether they could represent future treatment targets,” says Felicia Jennysdotter Olofsgård, researcher at the Department of Neuroscience.
“Improving understanding of the biological mechanisms behind cluster headache could help identify new targets for treatment in the future,” she continues.
Follow-up work and future findings
The project builds on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) previously carried out by the research group. The grant will make it possible to conduct the follow-up work and provide an opportunity to present future findings to the international headache research community.
Once the study has been completed, the results will be presented at the International Headache Congress. Future research may explore whether the findings can be translated to other cell models and whether changes in immune cells can affect neighbouring nerve cells.
The IHS Junior Research Grant is awarded to early-career researchers working on projects that address key questions in headache research. The programme seeks to strengthen the evidence base for headache disorders while supporting the professional development of young scientists.