Project description
Bioprinted human spinal cord
Understanding and treating spinal cord and neurodegenerative disorders requires models that accurately capture the complexity of the human spinal cord, which current systems fail to achieve. The ERC-funded SpineCraft project will develop a 4D functional human spinal cord construct that combines anatomically precise architecture with controlled spatial organisation of neural and vascular cells using advanced bioprinting and engineered extracellular matrices. Human induced pluripotent stem cells will be used to generate the required cell types, which will be integrated into a predefined, biofidelic structure. Patient-derived cells will later be incorporated to model disease-specific features, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The platform will be validated using imaging, multi-omics and electrophysiology, enabling the study of spinal cord biology, disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
Objective
Current in vitro models of the central nervous system (CNS) fail to recapitulate its intricate structure and function, posing significant challenges to advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental, neurological, and neurodegenerative diseases. Current 2D cultures, 3D organoids and animal models are limited for studying both healthy and pathological states, slowing progress in neuroscience. New CNS models must integrate advanced biofabrication, innovative bioinks, and cellular engineering to mimic the complex structure, vascular networks, and multi-cellular integration of the CNS.
Recent progress in bioprinting and tissue engineering enable the fabrication of complex structures, while bioinks and biomaterials provide optimal cellular environments for differentiation, and functional integration. Additionally, state-of-the-art imaging and omic technologies have improved the ability to capture detailed structural and cellular data, ensuring that CNS models mimic native CNS architecture and dynamics.
SPINECRAFT will develop a 4D functional human spinal cord construct (hSCC) that replicates the structural complexity and dynamic functionality of the human spinal cord (hSC). Our approach will use advanced imaging and computational techniques to map the architecture and cell distribution of the hSC. Using this information, we will generate human neural and vascular cells alongside bioinks designed to mimic the native microenvironment. We will then print a high-fidelity hSCC, validate it with imaging, multi-omics, and electrophysiology, and integrate patient-specific iPSCs to model amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to recapitulate disease-specific microenvironments.
SPINECRAFT represents a paradigm shift in CNS research, providing a versatile platform to study hSC biology, neurodegenerative diseases, and regenerative therapies. This integrative approach will raise the standards of tissue engineering and drive technological advances beyond spinal cord applications.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC 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-2025-COG
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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.
08028 Barcelona
Spain
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.