In the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation’s State Scientific Grant Competition for Fundamental Research, three projects prepared by the academic and invited staff of Alte University were awarded funding.
The competition, announced annually by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation, attracts up to 600 projects each year. This year, for the first time, three projects from Alte University staff received funding.
The winning projects are:
- Project Title: “Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders: Correlation of Folate Receptor Autoantibodies and M-CHAT-R Scores”
Project Authors: David Chakhunashvili, Konstantine Chakhunashvili
The project aims to improve the early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children by studying the relationship between behavioral screening results and biological markers. Specifically, the study will investigate whether folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAb), which may interfere with normal brain development, can enhance risk assessment for autism when combined with the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) screening tool.
The study involves screening approximately 5,000 children using the M-CHAT-R questionnaire, stratifying them by risk, and subsequently measuring FRAb levels in all three risk groups. Children already identified as at risk for autism will be recruited and tested. Comparing FRAb levels across different risk groups, including children already diagnosed with autism, will help determine whether this biomarker can improve early detection and risk prediction.
- Project Title: “Assessment of Neurovascular Coupling (NVC) in Patients with Cognitive Impairments Using Functional Transcranial Doppler (fTCD) and Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP)”
Project Authors: Marina Alfaidze, Eka Abjandadze
The main aim of this research is to assess neurovascular coupling (NVC) by synchronously recording AEP and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV) data. The project aligns with the European Commission’s “Brain Health Mission,” which seeks to advance early diagnosis and management of dementia, stroke, and other cognitive impairments.
The study will involve 100 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 20 healthy participants. Non-invasive methods will be used to obtain real-time data. The project also envisions developing an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model for the automatic identification of pathological neurovascular profiles.
- Project Title: “Regenerative Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Traumatized Hippocampal Organotypic Culture Microcels”
Project Authors: David Afkhazava, Cezar Goletiani
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major global health challenge. This research project aims to investigate the regenerative potential of electrical stimulation in traumatized hippocampal tissue using an in vitro organotypic culture model.
The main objectives of the study are: creating a neurotrauma model of hippocampal tissue using a stretching method; evaluating the effects of theta-frequency electrical stimulation on synaptic plasticity, specifically long-term potentiation (LTP) changes; performing dynamic analyses of cellular and axon-dendritic morphology using fluorescent microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular-biological methods (Western blotting, PCR); and assessing the functional and structural recovery potential of neuronal networks following neurotrauma.
The study is conducted in collaboration with Free University of Tbilisi, Alte University, and Tbilisi State Medical University. The project is led by Cezar Goletiani, with coordination by David Afkhazava.
The results of this project will contribute to the development of new neurorehabilitation strategies and will be published in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
It is noteworthy that the Department for Research Support and Project Development at Alte University was actively involved in all stages of project preparation and submission.
This achievement further demonstrates Alte University’s growing potential in advancing scientific research activities.
