Project description
Mapping the hidden networks of life
Proteins perform critical tasks and are necessary for nearly all biological processes. Diseases such as cancer may develop when they do not work properly. For precision medicine to advance, it is essential to comprehend how proteins interact inside cells. In order to tackle this, the EIC-funded PNA project has created a DNA-based method that maps protein interactions with remarkable 30-nanometer resolution. It can analyse more than 150 protein markers without the use of complex microscopy, enabling faster, more affordable, and scalable protein mapping. This has the potential to transform drug development, diagnostics, and customised healthcare.
Objective
Pixelgen Technologies, a deep-tech Swedish life sciences company, pioneers innovation in spatial proteomics and interactomics, critical for precision medicine, cancer research, and drug discovery. Building on the success of its Molecular Pixelation (MPX) technology, Pixelgen introduces the Proximity Network Assay (PNA), enabling high-resolution, high-throughput protein mapping. The PNA technology addresses current limitations in spatial proteomics and interactomics:low resolution, scalability challenges, and high costs of traditional microscopy-dependent methods.
PNA technology employs a unique DNA-based approach, achieving an unprecedented 30 nm resolution and multiplexing over 150 targeted protein markers in a single assay. Diseases are caused by aberrant cell function. These functions are executed by protein interactome dynamics, currently not studied at scale. PNA will allow researchers to assay intricate protein interactions at both cellular and subcellular levels (including cell-to-cell interactions and FFPE tissues), unlocking insights into immune responses, drug mechanisms, and disease pathology. PNA eliminates the need for expensive and low-content optical imaging systems, providing a cost-effective and accessible solution for academic and industrial applications.
PNA is currently at TRL6, with proof-of-concept data generated for key use cases. The EIC Accelerator project aims to develop PNA to TRL9 by advancing reagent development, creating optimised sample preparation protocols for FFPE tissues and cell-to-cell interaction studies, and enhancing data processing software for seamless integration with multi-omics platforms.
PNA technology will redefine spatial proteomics, enabling groundbreaking research and fostering Europe’s leadership in the biotechnology sector. The project aligns with the EU’s priorities in healthcare and digital transformation, contributing to the European Health Union’s goals of advancing diagnostics and personalised treatment.
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 computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pathology
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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.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
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-EIC-ACC - HORIZON EIC Accelerator
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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) HORIZON-EIC-2025-ACCELERATOR-02
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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.
113 68 Stockholm
Sweden
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.