Objective
A major bottleneck in the development of preventative therapies to help us age healthily is the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying age-related conditions such as atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration. Some of our most revolutionary treatments for these conditions, such as statins, target the metabolism of lipids (e.g. triglycerides or cholesterol). In contrast, the lipid dolichol has been almost completely overlooked, despite its critical importance to glycosylation and accumulation in all tissues with age, in neurodegenerative disease, and in atherosclerotic plaques.
We recently discovered new complexities in dolichol metabolism, including novel enzymatic steps and metabolites, that may play a role in the pathology of these processes. Yet, our knowledge of the subcellular organisation, enzyme repertoire and biological effects of dolichol metabolism is still incomplete. Furthermore, little is known about dolichol degradation or transport either inside the cell or around the body. The goal of DOLIGOAL is to remove these roadblocks.
To do this, we will characterise the subcellular architecture of dolichol biosynthesis and aim to identify the enzymes involved in esterifying dolichol for storage. Next, we will study intracellular transport or extracellular efflux pathways. We will also follow-up preliminary data indicating that the disruption of dolichol metabolism transcriptionally modulates cholesterol synthesis, indicating novel regulatory mechanisms. Lastly, the relevance of these findings for human disease will be explored.
This ambitious multidisciplinary project ties together several aspects of cell biology and metabolism, requiring diverse analytical techniques. Fully understanding dolichol metabolism, transport and cellular functions could unlock paths to novel treatments for both rare and common diseases.
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Keywords
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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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)
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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
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
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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.
3000 Leuven
Belgium
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.