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Engineering the Biointerface of Nanowires to Direct Stem Cell Differentiation

Objective

ENBION will engineer a platform to direct the differentiation of stem cells by developing principles for the rational design of the biointerface of nanowires.
It is increasingly evident that efficient tissue regeneration can only ensue from combining the regenerative potential of stem cells with regulatory stimuli from gene therapy and niche engineering. Yet, despite significant advances towards integrating these technologies, the necessary degree of control over cell fate remains elusive.
Vertical arrays of high aspect ratio nanostructures (nanowires) are rapidly emerging as promising tools to direct cell fate. Thanks to their unique biointerface, nanowires enable gene delivery, intracellular sensing, and direct stimulation of signalling pathways, achieving dynamic manipulation of cells and their environment.
This broad manipulation potential highlights the importance and timeliness of engineering nanowires for regenerative medicine. However, developing a nanowire platform to direct stem cell fate requires design principles based on the largely unknown biological processes governing their interaction with cells. Enabling localized, vector-free gene therapy through efficient transfection relies on understanding the still debated mechanisms by which nanowires induce membrane permeability. Directing cell reprogramming requires understanding the largely unexplored mechanosensory processes and the resulting epigenetic effects arising from the direct interaction of nanowires with multiple organelles within the cell. Engineering the cell microenvironment requires yet undeveloped strategies to localize signalling and transfection with a resolution comparable to the lengthscale of cells.
ENBION will develop this critical knowledge and integrate it into guidelines for dynamic manipulation of cells. Beyond the nanowire platform, the principles highlighted by this unique interface can guide the development of nanomaterials with improved control over cellular processes.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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.

ERC-STG - Starting Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2017-STG

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Host institution

KING'S COLLEGE LONDON
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 495 430,00
Address
STRAND
WC2R 2LS London
United Kingdom

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Region
London Inner London — West Westminster
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 1 495 430,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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