Objectives: The overall objective of the project is to design a tool based on the analysis of epigenetics (through blood samples) and brain activity (through electroencephalogram, EEG), that characterises chronic and episodic migraine, simplifying and improving its treatment. This tool will be constructed from the analysis of blood samples and records of the electrical activity of the brain. Both are quick and non-invasive or minimally invasive sampling techniques for the patient. In the scientific literature, several researches focused on the genetics of migraine patients can be found. However, epigenetics, i.e. mechanisms for regulating gene expression without modification of the genetic code, have hardly been studied. These regulatory mechanisms are highly influenced by environmental factors, which may also be related to changes in neuronal activity. Therefore, it would be very novel to study the changes produced by migraine in the electrical activity of the brain, which is recorded by EEG and to relate these changes to epigenetics. The tool developed will base its accuracy on the correlation and joint information between epigenetic information and electrical activity of the brain. This research aims to facilitate labour integration and equal social inclusion. In addition, networking and cooperation between cross-border entities will be encouraged to identify the underlying epigenetic and neural substrates of migraine. Participating entities will benefit from possible funding to improve their current equipment for dealing with migraine patients, as well as sample processing and analysis. On the other hand, they will benefit from the recruitment of human resources and specialised training in the study of this disease. With regard to the specific objective of the programme, it is expected that the creation of the partnership will provide the basis for a network of scientific excellence in the study of migraine. In this respect, the dissemination of the results derived from the project at national and international congresses, as well as the publication of articles in indexed international journals, will improve the prestige and competitiveness of the participating entities individually and as a partnership. In addition, this project also considers the opening of additional avenues of cooperation between the participating entities for future studies, such as those related to the treatment of this widespread disease in our regions. Activities: 1 Selection of subjects and data collection. 2 Epigenetic analysis and brain activity. 3 Correlation between epigenetics and EEG. 4 Conclusions. 5 Management and Coordination. 6 Communication. Results: The overall results of the project are as follows: — Increase in the number of researchers in the region of Northern Portugal and Castile-Leon. The aim is to recruit at least four new researchers thanks to the funding provided by this call. The new staff will be fully dedicated to the project, fostering interaction between the participating entities, which will be carried out through visits and stays in the project. — Improvement of the equipment needed for the study of migraine in the participating entities: computer equipment, portable electroencephalograph and laboratory equipment (first, methylation analysis kits, PCR, qPCR and RT-PCR kits, etc.). — Creation of a new database consisting of the epigenetic information of participants, EEG registries and clinical and sociodemographic information for a total of 100 subjects. The value of this database is enormous and will serve both to increase the current know-how and to develop future projects relevant to both regions (North Portugal and Castilla y León). — Publication of the results obtained in high impact index journals and congresses of national and international relevance.
