Proximity Network Assay: driving the future of high-resolution protein interactomics in 3D for precision medicine, drug discovery, and molecular diagnostics

Descripción del proyecto

Mapear las redes ocultas de la vida

Las proteínas realizan tareas críticas y son necesarias para casi todos los procesos biológicos. Las enfermedades como el cáncer pueden desarrollarse cuando no funcionan correctamente. Para que la medicina de precisión avance, es esencial comprender cómo interactúan las proteínas en el interior de las células. Para abordar este problema, el equipo del proyecto PNA, financiado por el Consejo Europeo de Innovación, ha creado un método basado en el ADN que mapea las interacciones entre proteínas con una notable resolución de 30 nanómetros. Puede analizar más de ciento cincuenta marcadores proteínicos sin necesidad de recurrir a la compleja microscopía, lo que permite un mapeo de proteínas más rápido, asequible y escalable. Esto puede transformar el desarrollo de fármacos, el diagnóstico y la atención sanitaria personalizada.

Objetivo

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.