Objective
Gene delivery techniques offer great hope in developing effective therapies (gene therapies) for serious human diseases. Currently the major challenge in clinical trials is the development of both safe and efficient DNA delivery systems (vectors). Synthetic vectors appear to be safer and more versatile but have significantly lower delivery efficiency than their viral counterparts. In this project we propose a novel molecular-level numerical approach to investigate and determine the properties of synthetic vectors that maximize gene delivery efficiency. We will focus on dendrimers, one of the most promising synthetic polymer vectors under consideration in clinical trials. The specific gene delivery stages to be studied are (1) DNA/polymer complex (polyplex) formulation, (2) polyplex binding to cell membrane, (3) polyplex dissociation to release the DNA, and finally (4) the nuclear entry of DNA. To realistically represent both structure and dynamics over the great length and time scales of the system, we will use two well-established, parallel, coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulators: LAMMPS (large-scale atomic/molecular massively parallel simulator) and MHR (molecular high roller). Appropriate code modifications and extensions will be also incorporated to meet project needs and maximize the simulation’s efficiency. The major aim of this study will be the development of an on-line database of polyplex structures, providing their properties in the different stages of gene delivery. The anticipated results of this project will provide a quantitative description of the mechanisms involved in gene delivery and can also be a rational design tool for the next generation of efficient synthetic vectors. The proposed research is a multidisciplinary and novel numerical study that will hopefully pave the way toward new computer-based approaches in gene therapy.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
74 100 RETHIMNO
Greece
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.