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Decoding the dark proteome through interdisciplinary training and research

Objective

In the era of precision medicine, we face a startling paradox: while sequencing entire genomes is routine, we remain blind to thousands of small open reading frames (smORFs) encoding microproteins that constitute a vast dark proteome. Recent breakthroughs have revealed their critical roles in diverse biological processes. This previously overlooked layer represents a fundamental gap in our understanding of cellular function and a major untapped source of therapeutic opportunities. Despite growing recognition by initiatives like Cancer Research UK Grand Challenges, the field remains critically immature with fragmented research, non-standardized methodologies, and most critically, an acute shortage of scientists with multidisciplinary expertise. This human capital bottleneck prevents Europe from establishing leadership.

ORFeus addresses this by training 15 interdisciplinary scientists bridging computational biology, proteogenomics, and therapeutic development. Our consortium unites 15 leading European academics with 14 strategic industry partners spanning technology pioneers, AI innovators, and pharmaceutical developers. Through mandatory integrated training, industry secondments, and cutting-edge technologies, every researcher becomes both computationally and experimentally proficient, a crucial 'bilingual' skillset currently unavailable through traditional programs.

The program delivers groundbreaking innovations: AI-powered prediction tools, standardized workflows through the open-access ORFeome platform, and novel cancer immunotherapy targets. By creating Europe's first comprehensive dark proteome training program, ORFeus transforms this fragmented field into a mature research domain. Our graduates will drive innovation across academia and biotechnology, translate discoveries into clinical applications, and secure Europe's leadership in illuminating this vast unexplored dimension of human biology with profound implications for precision medicine.

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.

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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)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

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Coordinator

PRINSES MAXIMA CENTRUM VOOR KINDERONCOLOGIE BV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 305 285,76
Total cost

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.

No data

Participants (13)

Partners (19)