Objective
Advances in genomics have resulted in the development of new protein-based drugs. This trend will increase in the next decade. Delivery technologies for these drugs must be designed to surmount biochemical and anatomical barriers to safely permit their passage to an intended site. Targeted delivery of protein-based drugs is limited by a series of barriers, among which, three are of critical importance: 1) Rational transport of protein-based drugs across cellular membrane 2) Control of the inter- and intra-cellular routes taken by these drugs 3) Understanding of the structural characteristics of the protein-based drugs and of their targets to achieve efficiency and specificity. Advances to overcome these barriers will lead to develop new, safer and more effective drugs by reducing undesirable side effects. To that end, the Nano4drugs consortium integrates top-level teams across Europe to develop an innovative challenging frontier bio-technology device ideally suited for targeted delivery of protein-based drugs. The device consists of bio-compatible non-bleachable fluorescent diamond nano-particles that can be grafted with both cell-penetrating peptides and protein-based drugs. As a proof of concept, Nano4drugs will target microtubules in two different biological contexts, neuron and cancer. The protein-based drugs will consist of anti-microtubules peptides recently discovered in one team of Nano4Drug, and of new ones that will be tested during the STREP with the help of post-genomic computer-based system of choices designed to guide and improve the development of protein-based drugs. At the end of this STREP, Nano4Drugs will provide Europe with a better understanding of ways to overcome protein-based drug delivery barriers. In achieving its objectives, Nano4Drugs will also deliver new potential treatments for societal health diseases such as neurological degenerative diseases and cancer. Application expected will increase European competitiveness and economy.
Fields of science
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2004-LIFESCIHEALTH-5
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Funding Scheme
STREP - Specific Targeted Research ProjectCoordinator
PARIS
France