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Synergistic growth factor microenvironments for veterinary bone regeneration.

Project description

Advancing bone regeneration strategies

Bone tissue engineering is a field that focuses on developing strategies to repair, regenerate, or replace bone tissue. It involves the use of various materials, cells, and growth factors to create a scaffold that mimics natural bone tissue. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) is a powerful growth factor in bone morphogenesis and has been used in clinical applications to promote bone growth. To address the complications associated with the high dose of rhBMP2, the HEALIGRAFT project, funded by the European Research Council, will develop a system that allows for the contained and effective presentation of rhBMP2 and other growth factors for stem cell differentiation. Following promising preliminary results in a murine model, researchers aim to develop this technology for veterinary application.

Objective

We propose a system that allows a safer delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP2) for bone tissue engineering and have planned a veterinary trial in relevant conditions. We have teamed up with a team of veterinary surgeons and several industry and clinical partners for the appraisal of the proposal from a translational standpoint. rhBMP2 is a powerful growth factor (GF) essential in tissue morphogenesis and used to promote bone growth in clinical applications. Current clinical delivery has encountered serious complications associated with the high doses used. We have developed a system that allows the effective presentation of GFs in combination with the integrin binding domain of fibronectin (FN), promoting simultaneous and co-localised signalling between GF receptors and integrins. We have shown the ability of Poly(ethyl acrylate) PEA to organize FN and sequester rhBMP2 in synergy with the integrin binding region to direct stem cell differentiation. This technology enhances bone regeneration and vascularisation with lower rhBMP-2 doses.
With this understanding we have engineered systems to regenerate a bone critical size defect in a murine model. Results were comparable to the higher doses used in the clinic, which makes the systems safe, effective and more competitive than current commercial products. The pathway to human applications requires strong financial commitments. We will explore the veterinary application of our technology and also, because of the conditions treated, as a demonstration towards application in humans. Overall, we will develop a safe and versatile bone system for clinical use in joint arthodesis and non- union bone defects, and we will set a route towards commercialization.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2017-PoC

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Host institution

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
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.

€ 149 973,00
Address
UNIVERSITY AVENUE
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom

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Region
Scotland West Central Scotland Glasgow City
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.

€ 149 973,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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