Objective
Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are a unique group of cells which were originally discovered in the olfactory bulb, the part of the brain that receives the sense of smell. These cells have now been found in the nose, and have the potential to encourage damaged nerve fibres to regenerate. When these cells are transplanted into the damaged spinal cords of rats they facilitate repair of the nerve fibres, and this results in an improved ability to climb and breath. It is now possible to obtain these cells from the noses of patients with brachial plexus avulsion (a longitudinal spinal cord injury) and to purify and multiply them for transplantation back into the same patient s damaged brachial plexus, to possibly cure injuries which were previously untreatable. However it is first necessary to find a safe and reliable way to obtain these cells from patients, develop a protocol for cleanroom manufacturing these cells under UK Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines, and check whether human cells have the same reparative effects in the laboratory and animal studies, compared to what we already know about rat cells. The research programme consists of the following projects: 1. To develop a protocol for obtaining these cells in optimum quantities, by taking samples from volunteer patients who are undergoing nasal endoscopy for other reasons, and develop an effective culture method to maximise the yield of OECs. 2. To culture these cells under GMP conditions, using standardised reagents, and develop a protocol that ensures the maximum yield in a new culture facility. 3. To transplant autologous OECs into the site of injury in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion, and assess the safety and efficacy of the technique. This will also allow us to obtain pilot data to allow planning of a future randomised controlled trial of OEC transplantation. 4. To study the effects of OECs derived from rat mucosa in animal models of brachial plexus avulsion
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.
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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.
ERC-2009-StG
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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.
Host institution
WC1E 6BT LONDON
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.