Project description
DNA transport based on polymer physics to improve gene electrotransfer efficiency
Introduction of DNA molecules to cells is carried out using pulsed electric fields that increase the permeability of the plasma membrane to DNA. However, the approach still suffers from low levels of gene expression. To address this limitation, the EU-funded GETPolPhys project will combine experiments with existing DNA transport models based on polymer physics to decipher the mechanisms by which the electric field causes DNA molecules to overcome the barriers of the extra-cellular matrix and the cell membrane. The generated knowledge will help improve DNA electrotransfer protocols for applications such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and vaccination against infectious diseases.
Objective
Application of pulsed electric field (PEF) can reversibly increase the permeability of the cell membrane allowing the access of otherwise impermeable DNA molecules to the inside of the cell. Introduction of foreign DNA molecules encoding immuno-modulatory proteins, antibodies and antigens into cells using PEF, known as Gene Electro-Transfer (GET), is increasingly used for the modulation of the immune system or immunotherapy. While GET based immunotherapy presents itself as a potent application for treatment of cancer and vaccination against infectious diseases, it is suffering from low levels of transgene expressions in vivo. This low efficiency can largely be attributed to our lack of fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which DNA molecules overcome the barriers of the extra-cellular matrix and the cell membrane in the presence of an electric field. In this action, I aim to provide this required fundamental understanding using principles of polymer physics, soft matter and statistical mechanics. Experiments based on these principles will be conducted in vitro and in vivo to generate results that can be directly compared to theories and models of DNA transport through the extra-cellular matrix and the cell membrane. Understanding the mechanisms within the frameworks of polymer physics will radically improve the efficiency of GET immunotherapy, because it will provide a mechanistic ground for developing optimum protocols within complex tissue environments that can, at the same time, be readily transferred across tissue types and species.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- natural sciences physical sciences condensed matter physics soft matter physics
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences polymer sciences
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics statistical mechanics
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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-WF-2018-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
1000 Ljubljana
Slovenia
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.