Periodic Reporting for period 2 - ImPRESS (International Interdisciplinary PhD studies in Biomedical Research and Biostatistics. Supporting the career and training in omic-based research and biostatistics by inter-national and-sectoral mobility) Período documentado: 2020-02-01 hasta 2023-01-31 Resumen del contexto y de los objetivos generales del proyecto The aim of the ImPRESS project was to launch International Interdisciplinary PhD Studies in Biomedical Research and Biostatistics aimed at young scientists conducting research on lifestyle diseases and on biostatistics and bioinformatics methods necessary to process and interpret data obtained in research projects. The ImPRESS project has received cofunding from the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, from financial resources for science in 2018-2023 granted for the implementation of an international co-financed project. The newly created ImPRESS PhD Studies provide an outstanding opportunity for in-depth education in high-throughput experimental and computational techniques used in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and immunology. PhD students were involved in large-scale scientific projects carried out with excellent researchers from European centers. The aim of the Early Stage Researchers projects was searching for new markers for early detection and prevention together with biomarkers of effective individualized therapy of civilization diseases (also referred to as lifestyle diseases or non-communicable disease) based on innovative large-scale (high-throughput) technologies including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and cutting-edge hybrid PET/MR imaging for diagnosis and research.According to the WHO report, the number of patients suffering from civilization diseases, the main health hazards for society such as cancer (lung cancer, brain tumors), cardiovascular diseases, obesity and type 2 diabetes, and Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases (Alzheimer's disease), increases in the rate of an epidemic (it will increase 2-3 times until 2030). In many cases there is no effective treatment, which generates huge costs for state budgets. The use of biomarkers may allow for early detection, prevention and therapy individualization of these diseases. Modern research on biomarkers is conducted using state of the art advanced technologies in the field of genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics which was the main subject of the PhD studies. Cooperation with strong partner organisations: CEMBIO from San Pablo University; National Centre for Cardiovascular Research from Spain, Szentágothai Research Centre from University of Pécs, Bialystok University of Technology and CenStat from Hasselt University, gives us a tremendous opportunity to implement actions which are exceptionally important for European science and higher education. Huge data sets generated in large-scale research projects require expertise in both the field of medical biology and the knowledge of advanced data analysis methods. But why MUB? It is one of the most rapidly developing research centres in the field of medical sciences in Poland. Throughout last 15 years, MUB significantly improved its infrastructure, necessary for the execution of projects in the field of personalized medicine. Increasing the experience and knowledge of students and scientists by using state of the art infrastructure improves the quality of research and enables MUB to join world leaders in the field of -omics research. Trabajo realizado desde el comienzo del proyecto hasta el final del período abarcado por el informe y los principales resultados hasta la fecha Recruitment of eligible candidates was held within a broad, internationally promoted competition based on open, transparent and impartial basis, which resulted in 181 candidates who had registered in the system. The target group of the programme were young aspiring scientists of any nationality, coming from any country in the world. Preference was given to graduates of biology, biotechnology, laboratory medicine, pharmacy, and medicine. Finally, out of 131 candidates, 15 best Early Stage Researchers were accepted and 15 ambitious and promising researchers were placed on the reserve list. In October 2018 MUB has launched 4-year International Interdisciplinary PhD studies in Biomedical Research and Biostatistics leading to a doctoral degree.Education of the PhD students was focused on technology and biomedical knowledge necessary for research on biomarkers, including the basics of biostatistics and bioinformatics. PhD students have been participating in courses, visiting professors’ lectures and workshops on e.g. metabolomics, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, biostatistics and bioinformatics. ImPRESS PhD supervisors were outstanding scientists with a profound expertise and experience in the thematic areas of the PhD studies (Cancer/Mutagenesis, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetes/Obesity, Metabolic diseases, Neurodegenerative diseases, Regenerative medicine in civilization diseases, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Protein Analysis and Proteomics, Metabolomics/Lipidomics, Immunology).The development of the PhD students’ research potential was based on conducting their own research projects, going for internships, short research visits, conferences, and trainings, not only to the partner institutions, but also to other best research centers in the world. Young scientists have had an opportunity to practice in domestic and foreign academic centers specializing in oncology, cardiology, metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, molecular biology, genetics and proteomics. Finally, MSCA ImPRESS PhD Fellows published 90 scientific articles in renowned journals (total IF 607,157 points) and still more papers are submitted for publication. They presented their research results at 31 prestigious scientific conferences all over the world, they concluded 12 research stays, 58 trainings and 6 other events. 2 MSC Fellows are among the authors of a patent (PL241607) and of a patent application (43596720). Avances que van más allá del estado de la técnica e impacto potencial esperado (incluida la repercusión socioeconómica y las implicaciones sociales más amplias del proyecto hasta la fecha) Out of 11 PhD graduates, 7 is curently employed in renowned Polish institutes and universities, including MUB (3 PhDs); 3 other are also employed in Europe. This clearly shows that ImPRESS project that gave in-depth education in high-throughput experimental and computational techniques used in genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and immunology proved to be very beneficial especially to Europe as most of our graduates decided to use their research potential within the EU. Their discoveries in prevention of civilization diseases will improve the health of the EU community. Further on, this may result in governmental expenses decrease for treatment of the diseases and rehabilitation.For example, one of the MSC Fellows, Bence Galik, is one of the authors of the Polish patent: “MiRNA biomarkers for the differential diagnosis of histopathological sub-types of non-small cell lung cancer” (No. PL241607). Using next-generation sequencing technology and bioinformatics tools, scientists identified micro RNA (miRNA) biomarkers for diagnosing subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from malignancy worldwide, and non-small cell lung cancer is one of the most common types. The two main subtypes of cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Appropriate diagnosis of the subtype allows for the implementation of an effective treatment method and to increase therapeutic benefits. The results of routine histopathological examinations are often ambiguous or do not allow for the correct diagnosis of the tumor subtype. The miRNA biomarkers identified and patented in the research are a precise tool for differentiating these two cancer subtypes, thanks to which the invention will support proper diagnosis, which is a key element in the implementation of personalized therapies. ImPRESS banner
