Project description
Targeting specific protein forms within cells
Although we have about 20 000 protein-coding genes, the human body can produce more than one protein variation from each gene. The diversity of proteins present in the human body increases through complex processes such as alternative mRNA splicing and post-translational modifications. Given that changes in specific proteins have been associated with cancer and neurogenerative diseases, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanisms. The ERC-funded PROTEOFORMER project aims to develop chemical tools that can precisely manipulate selected protein forms inside cells. The project focuses on a brain receptor implicated in Parkinson’s disease and a key regulator of neuroinflammation. By adding functional chemical cargo directly to chosen protein forms, researchers will selectively inhibit or switch between protein forms.
Objective
The human body can synthesize ~70’000 different proteins. These proteins diversify into millions of proteoforms, e.g. by associating into complexes or acquiring functionalities called post-translational modifications (PTMs). Distinct proteoforms are often found in different cell types and have diverse functions. Dysregulation of specific proteoforms is associated with many diseases, including neurodegeneration or cancers, highlighting the need for their study and modulation. Despite these needs, most drug-like molecules are designed to indiscriminately activate, inhibit, or destroy a target protein—they are blind to the localization or function of different proteoforms.
PROTEOFORMER goes beyond the protein by developing chemical tools for manipulating specific protein forms. In two parallel initiatives, PROTEOFORMER will:
(1) Target a specific proteoform of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor—relevant to Parkinson’s disease treatment—dissecting its function and laying the groundwork for new therapies.
(2) Modify post-translational modifications of matrix metalloproteinase-2—a key regulator of neuroinflammation—aiming to unravel their so-far-elusive function.
PROTEOFORMER offers tailored reagents that (i) recognize the protein target, (ii) bring a reactive group to the target’s surface, and (iii) attach molecular cargo to the protein via a proximity-induced reaction. It rethinks this ‘ligand-directed chemistry’ by introducing functional, proteoform-manipulating cargo:
(1) A blocker of a partner protein, enabling proteoform-selective inhibition within a cell-specific complex.
(2) A post-translational modification or its eraser, enabling on-demand switching between proteoforms with newly developed proximity-driven chemical reactions.
PROTEOFORMER develops new chemistry for manipulating proteoforms beyond current capabilities. These general concepts represent a chemical solution to long-standing challenges in biology that are intractable with traditional methods.
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 neurobiology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology parkinson
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.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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) ERC-2025-STG
See all projects funded under this callHost institution
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.
601 77 Brno
Czechia
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.