Descripción del proyecto
Terapias de ácido nucleico: red de formación en investigación
Las terapias de ácido nucleico representan avances importantes en el tratamiento de las enfermedades humanas, y se requieren métodos nuevos en el diseño del ácido nucleico para mejorar las tecnologías de edición genética, las inmunoterapias contra el cáncer y la manipulación epigenética. El proyecto financiado con fondos europeos NATURE-ETN creará una red que proporcionará formación en investigación de cara a la creación de nuevos biomateriales y terapias. El programa de investigación actual incluirá a químicos y biólogos líderes en su campo que colaborarán con socios de los campos de la tecnología y la biotecnología. La red utilizará sus conocimientos especializados en química del ácido nucleico, cristalografía del ADN, química de materiales, cultivos celulares y secuenciación epigenética con el fin de desarrollar un entorno pluridisciplinario para la capacitación de quince investigadores noveles. La formación intersectorial ofrecida incluirá competencias científicas y transferibles, conocimientos sobre la industria y talleres sobre secuenciación, genómica, gestión empresarial y planificación de la trayectoria profesional.
Objetivo
Nucleic acid (NAs) therapies are predicted to yield major advances in the treatment of human disease and new approaches in NA design are required to extend the boundaries of today`s gene editing technologies, cancer immunotherapies, and epigenetic base manipulation tools. Current gene editing technologies involving CRISPR-Cas9, despite their wide applicability, have serious limitations involving off-target or prolonged effects that produce mutations, insertions, and deletions leading to undesired therapeutic outcomes. Questions also remain regarding the development and delivery of NAs for manipulation of T-cells, now seen as the new paradigm in cancer research. NATURE-ETN will meet this challenge by engineering new biomaterials and therapies to extend the boundaries of i.) gene editing technology, ii.) cancer immunotherapy, and iii.) epigenetic base manipulation. Our research programme involves world-leading chemists and biologists in combination with high-tech/biotech SMEs and industry partners. We will use our combined expertise in NA chemistry, DNA crystallography, materials chemistry, cell culture, and epigenetic sequencing to develop an outstanding multi-disciplinary environment were 15 Early Stage Researchers will receive unrivalled research training in the most exciting gene therapy research today. The intersectoral training provided will encompass scientific and transferable skills, an understanding of industry, and features targeted workshops in sequencing and genomics along with quality/business management and future career planning. NATURE-ETN will leverage breakthrough discoveries—some originating from our own laboratories—to provide training excellence to give our fellows a deep skillset in the translation of basic research into high functioning commercial NA biomaterials. NATURE-ETN will develop the next generation of pioneering scientific leaders in Europe where they will grow our commercial need for disruptive technologies in 21st century medicine.
Ámbito científico
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesnucleic acids
- medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringgene therapy
- medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncology
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunotherapy
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsepigenetics
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinador
9 Dublin
Irlanda