Objective
Magnetic Resonance contrast agents for non-invasive monitoring of the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into brain cells will be developed and tested in an animal model. These contrast agents (CA) will revolutionise our understanding of cellular differentiation processes by visualising "cells at work" in vivo with high spatial and temporal resolution. In contrast to other molecular imaging techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is not limited to invasive ex vivo studies or the outermost layer o f biological tissue like optical techniques.
Chelated Gadolinium-based MRI CAs will be designed and synthesised so that enzymes specifically expressed after the differentiation of stem cells will generate a contrast by activating the `silent¿ CA through chemical modification. No transfection of cells is required for visualisation. In order to address a variety of differentiation processes, a number of different CAs will be generated, which focus on enzymes responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, but also compounds that distinguish between neuronal and astrocyte metabolism. Contrast agents will be synthesised and provided by the laboratory of Prof S Aime (University Torino).
Methodological issues of the design and testing of CA that will be addressed in this project are:
1) optimisation of the internalisation,
2) specificity of the enzyme activity for the activation of the CA and
3) maximisation of the generated contrast (increased sensitivity).
CAs will first be tested on in vitro differentiated cultures of embryonal stem cells (L1 and D3 mouse stem cells) and then in animal models. Animal models utilised for the implantation are normal rats and models developed in the host laboratory for stroke and tumour. As the concept is universally applicable for visualisation of cell differentiation, it will improve high resolution in vivo monitoring of cell function also for models in other organs, other disease models and replacement therapy in humans.
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 cell biology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2002-MOBILITY-12
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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.
IRG - Marie Curie actions-International re-integration grants
Coordinator
MUNICH
Germany
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.