Project description DEENESFRITPL Zooming in on protein structures could significantly expand treatment opportunities for dysfunction Proteins including antibodies, enzymes and hormones are large, complex molecules required for most cell functions. Not surprisingly, protein dysfunction is at the root of numerous diseases and conditions. A characteristic mechanism of protein activity is binding with other molecules at specific sites via conformational changes. Precise characterisation of the detailed 3D structure underlying specific functions is critical to advancing understanding. Nobel-winning cryo-electron microscopy enables imaging of frozen hydrated specimens in their native state without dyes or fixatives. It has opened a new window on fine cellular structures at molecular resolution. IMpaCT is using this revolutionary technique to visualise proteins related to human health while raising the visibility of the coordinating university. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective Proteins are building blocks of life, often forming complexes with essential cellular roles. Dysfunction of proteins or their complexes in cells are associated with a wide variety of pathologies, making them excellent drug target candidates. Their 3D structures are essential for a rational drug design. However, many important proteins and complexes are extremely hard to crystallize. Recent advances in Cryo-Electron Microscopy methodologies enabled the structure determination of large macromolecular complexes at near-atomic resolution. An unprecedented level of detail in cell imaging using Cryo-Electron Tomography is also now possible. IMpaCT will improve the expertise at the UNL in Cryo-EM methodologies applied to the structural studies of proteins related to human health (e.g. cancer, antiviral infections) from individual molecules to macromolecular complexes, both isolated and in a cellular context. To this end, UNL will team up with renowned Cryo-EM experts from the National Centre for Biotechnology of the Spanish National Research Council (Spain), the Institute of Biotechnology of the University of Helsinki (Finland) and the Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel). A solid work programme grounded on hands-on Workshops will be complemented with short-term visits to the partner labs, visits from partner labs experts to ITQB NOVA, seminars by leading experts in Cryo-EM (e.g. Nobel Prize winners), industry stakeholders’ engagement via a Mini-symposium and workshop participation, knowledge transfer to other research groups in Portugal and a WP devoted to early-stage researchers. An ambitious Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication plan will be implemented to leverage the research results potentiated by this project as high-impact publications and invited communications at international meetings, leading to a fundamental outcome: an increased visibility and activity of UNL researchers as players in the Cryo-EM field. Fields of science medical and health sciencesbasic medicinemedicinal chemistrynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyelectron microscopymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathology Programme(s) H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme Topic(s) WIDESPREAD-03-2018 - Twinning Call for proposal H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-03 Funding Scheme CSA - Coordination and support action Coordinator UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA Net EU contribution € 412 616,25 Address Campus de campolide 1099 085 Lisboa Portugal See on map Region Continente Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Área Metropolitana de Lisboa Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Participants (3) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Spain Net EU contribution € 100 023,75 Address Calle serrano 117 28006 Madrid See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO Finland Net EU contribution € 146 316,25 Address Yliopistonkatu 3 00014 Helsingin yliopisto See on map Region Manner-Suomi Helsinki-Uusimaa Helsinki-Uusimaa Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE Israel Net EU contribution € 141 043,75 Address Herzl street 234 7610001 Rehovot See on map Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
