Project description
Advanced nanoparticles for RNA delivery
RNA therapeutics use RNA molecules to regulate, replace, or introduce gene functions in the body, offering powerful new ways to treat diseases that were previously considered untreatable. This technology relies on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to protect RNA and deliver it safely into cells. However, less than 10 % of administered RNA reaches the cytoplasm. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the CryoLipNano project will investigate the role of LNP composition, structure and integrity on their intracellular trafficking and delivery efficiency. Using state-of-the-art techniques, researchers will study the relationship between lipid composition, LNP morphology and RNA localisation after endocytosis. These insights are expected to pave the way for more potent LNPs.
Objective
RNA therapeutics are revolutionizing medicine, offering new treatment possibilities for diseases once considered undruggable. Central to the delivery of nucleic acids, especially mRNA, is the use of Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) – the most advanced and the only clinically approved gene delivery platform. LNPs protect mRNA from degradation, facilitate its transfer, and ensure delivery into the cell. Despite their potential, the therapeutic potency of RNA-LNPs remains limited due to suboptimal RNA delivery, with <10% of the administered RNA-LNP system reaching the cytoplasm. To this end, crucial gaps persist in our understanding of LNP structure, integrity and their impact on trafficking and RNA delivery. CryoLipNano aims to advance our knowledge on LNP ultrastructure and intracellular dynamics, by linking – for the first time – lipid composition, morphology, LNP integrity, mRNA localization and trafficking after endocytosis. By integrating physical chemistry with cutting-edge cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM), advanced imaging techniques, and proteomic analysis, this study will address critical knowledge gaps, ultimately leading to the rational design of second-generation LNP platforms with enhanced efficiency and potency. Moreover, CryoLipNano will establish the first RNA-LNP research hub at the host institute and, alongside with the ERA Chair's launch of the country's first cryoEM facility, will create a new line of expertise in RNA-LNP characterization by cryoEM. This expertise will be valuable not only in Greece, but also for entities across Europe and globally. CryoLipNano will also focus on disseminating the lab’s presence, educating the scientific community and the public about RNA therapeutics and their structural analysis, and inspiring young scientists. Finally, the high-level science and training the fellow will receive, will significantly advance her expertise and enhance her future employability in the field of nanomedicine and RNA therapeutics.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology nanomedicine
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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.
116 35 ATHINA
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.