Project description
Modelling the blood–brain barrier
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective border that blocks access to the brain for pathogens and toxins. Although it helps maintain brain homeostasis, it also prevents certain medications for CNS disorders from reaching the brain. The EU-funded HumBrain project will build a model of the P-glycoprotein transporter which is located in the BBB endothelial cell membranes and effluxes drugs out of the brain. Through simulation of the molecular dynamics of this transporter with various substrates and inhibitors, scientists hope to understand the mechanism underlying BBB selectivity. Apart from providing fundamental knowledge, the project's results will pave the way for the design of the next generation of CNS modulators.
Objective
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex interface that separates the central nervous system (CNS) from the circulatory system and serves to maintain brain homeostasis. There are native P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporters embedded in the BBB endothelial cell membranes, which play a fundamental role in effluxing out xenobiotics. Such protections come at a steep price, since the BBB is a key roadblock in the delivery of treatments for CNS disorder, including brain tumors and Alzheimer’s, while the P-glycoprotein transporter reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapeutics and is responsible for the development of multidrug resistance (MDR).
The HumBrain project will build the first atomistic model of a human P-gp pump embedded in a realistic model of the BBB membrane, and use molecular dynamics simulations in combination with novel free-energy techniques to provide a mechanism for the modulation of the P-gp pump by substrates and inhibitors, in order to address the origins of multidrug resistance and the origins of the high selectivity of the BBB membranes to molecules. This will be complemented by coarse-grained models to address the issue of protein-lipid modulation and alternative ways to turn off the P-gp. The models will be of sufficiently realistic representation to serve as a starting point for translational research to aid in the experimental development of the next generation CNS modulators and targets.
The HumBrain project will be carried out by an experienced researcher who worked on membrane proteins during his PhD thesis in the UK and the BBB during his postdoc in the USA in conjunction with an experimental laboratory. The experienced researcher will work with a supervisor in Denmark who has a strong background in modelling complex membranes, including neuronal membranes, as well as membrane proteins, and will benefit from the strong network of simulations present in Denmark, while bringing his expertise from USA and the UK with him.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark
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.