Project description
Detecting disease-related micro-RNA changes in bodily fluids
On a large scale, early disease detection relies on sensitive testing that can pinpoint molecular changes before symptoms arise. However, existing methods often lack the cost-effectiveness required for widespread implementation, hindering access to timely screening. With this in mind, the ERC-funded MiRACLE project combines breakthroughs in optical sensing, biochemistry, and computation to develop a highly sensitive and economically viable diagnostic platform. Its overall aim is to develop a robust platform to spot disease-related micro-RNA changes directly in bodily fluids, without amplification. With lymphoma patients as the initial cohort, MiRACLE sets out to redefine health management, rivalling established methods like RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR.
Objective
Early detection of disease on a population scale (screening) relies on highly sensitive testing, able to detect early molecular changes, coupled with cost-effectiveness that enables economic access to such testing at scale.
The MiRACLE project addresses these challenges by combining a breakthrough optical sensing approach for single-molecule detection with creative biochemistry and computation. The ground-breaking goal of this research proposal is to develop a robust diagnostic platform capable of detecting disease-induced changes in micro-RNA expression by counting individual RNA molecules directly in bodily fluids without the need for amplification.
This innovation will be realized by a novel, computationally assisted single-molecule detection scheme that, unlike common single-molecule detection methods, enables detecting a full panel of biomarkers simultaneously in a single snapshot, offering ultimate sensitivity at exceptionally low-cost. These attributes make this technology suitable for large-scale population screening and health management.
Promising preliminary results show that MiRACLE can detect and count individual RNA targets in mixtures of synthetic miRs in physiological sub-femtomolar concentrations. These preliminary results highlight the potential of this approach for ultra-sensitive early detection of disease and a provisional patent has been submitted.
Within the proposed project a proof of principle will be performed on a cohort of lymphoma patients and healthy controls that will be classified by the miracle approach. The technology will be benchmarked against existing state-of-the-art methods such as RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR.
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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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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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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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.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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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) ERC-2023-POC
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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.
69978 Tel Aviv
Israel
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.