Objective
Genetic diseases can only be truly cured via restoration of defective gene function. Homologous recombination is the ultimate tool for gene replacement, but is limited by low efficiency and reproducibility. DNA double-strand breaks enhance the efficiency o f homologous recombination in vitro dramatically, however for in vivo applications absolute site-specificity is crucial.
Engineered, highly specific DNA endonucleases (meganucleases) with programmable specificity are the key to a wider use of homologous recombination in gene replacement. MenuG seeks to develop meganucleases that cleave only at positions of interest in a genomic context with the aim to solve - based on homologous recombination - the main problem in gene therapy: to replace genes efficiently, selectively and reproducibly.
Three types of meganucleases will be engineered:
- programmed restriction enzymes,
- novel or redesigned homing endonucleases,
- redesigned Type IIS restriction enzymes.
These will be tested for in vitro cleavage specificity, delivery into the nuclei, in vivo cleavage specificity and induction of double-strand break repair by homologous recombination. Promising meganucleases will be tested for gene replacement in Pompe metabolic disease.
Concepts for commercial applications will be developed. MenuG is a high-risk project, starting from the engineering of programmable meganucleases to efficient cell delivery and specific action on a defined genetic locus. It has a high impact profile with potentially enormous benefits primarily in the treatment of inherited monogenetic diseases, but in principle also of multigenic disorders, including cancer. Its innovative and visionary concepts are in the spirit of ADVENTURE.
MenuG is multidisciplinary (comprising biochemistry, molecular, structural and cell biology, medicine, biotechnology, nanotechnology); its truly ambitious goals can only be achieved at a European level by pooling expertise from academic and industrial units.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
- natural sciences biological sciences cell biology
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
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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.
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.
FP6-2003-NEST-B-3
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
HERAKLION
Greece
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.