Objective
Peptide hormones are central regulators of human physiology, controlling processes from metabolism and appetite to stress and reproduction. They act mainly through G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are also key drug targets. Yet still 100 GPCRs remain “orphans” with no known endogenous activator. This highlights a major knowledge gap: undiscovered peptide hormones and receptor–ligand pairs likely exist but have eluded current detection methods. At the same time, genetic variability in peptide hormones themselves remains virtually unexplored, despite evidence that rare population variants in the receptors can alter signaling and physiological outcomes.
This project will chart the “dark matter” of human peptide signaling by combining computational, experimental, and genetic approaches. First, we will develop and fine-tune predictive models for peptide–GPCR interactions, trained on consolidated datasets at unprecedented scale, including a novel multiplexed receptor signaling assay. Second, we will apply these models to identify new bioactive peptides from novel unexplored sources, systematically testing them against the GPCR-ome. Third, we will map naturally occurring human variants in peptide hormones and assess their impact on signaling strength, bias, and selectivity, integrating individual-level genotype–phenotype associations from biobank-scale datasets to better inform rational peptide design with optimized pharmacological parameters.
By filling critical discovery and functional gaps, this project will expand the human endocrine landscape, uncover the genetic basis of inter-individual variation in hormone signaling, and establish a scalable computational and experimental framework for the rational design of next-generation peptide therapeutics.
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 biochemistry biomolecules
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology
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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.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-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.
1165 KOBENHAVN
Denmark
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.