Objective
"Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable medical diagnostic tool because of its ability to produce detailed 3D pictures of tissue in the body noninvasively. Gadolinium is used in MRI contrast agents because of its strong paramagnetic properties. However, due to its intrinsic toxicity when free in solution, it has to be bound to other biocompatible molecules to be used clinically. There are currently seven approved gadolinium contrast agents that are used for MRI studies in humans. However, these contrast agents have some drawbacks: e.g. they are not targeted to specific tissues and their sensitivity is still below what can be theoretically achieved. Therefore, there is great current interest in improving the properties of Gd-based contrast agents by attaching the metal to a variety of materials, ranging from large organic molecules to nanoparticles.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is the most abundant anionic phospholipid of the plasma membrane and, in healthy cells, is arranged largely on the inner layer. In some abnormal cells this is not the case and a considerable amount of PS is displayed on the outer membrane surface; this is known in cells undergoing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and tumour vasculature. Therefore, detection and imaging of apoptotic cells in vivo is desirable, as a clinical and research tool. Recently the host group showed that a Gd metal complex is able to bind polyphosphates and, interestingly, the probe localises selectively on apoptotic cells allowing for enhanced MRI signal in apoptotic vs. non-apoptotic cells. To follow on this previous work, we propose to develop more sensitive and selective Gd-based probes for MR imaging of apoptosis. Furthermore we propose to extend this idea towards positron emission topography (PET) by including Ga in the probes. The new probes developed, will be first fully characterised and validated in in vitro experiments to then be tested against apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell lines."
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 physical sciences astronomy planetary sciences planetary geology
- engineering and technology medical engineering diagnostic imaging magnetic resonance imaging
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF
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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.
Coordinator
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
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.