Project description
A non-invasive molecular assay for celiac disease diagnosis
Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disorder associated with sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. The induced immune attack in response to gluten damages the small intestine and causes nutrient malabsorption. The EU-funded GRANROSE project is challenging the gold standard serological diagnosis of celiac disease, which requires further validation through biopsy, by developing a novel assay that screens HLA genotypes associated with the disorder. The GRANROSE method is robust, non-invasive and is expected to replace biopsies. It has the potential to improve screening and thus reduce the treatment burden of celiac disease and the high risk of developing other autoimmune comorbidities.
Objective
Microbiome is a Dutch R&D-performing SME developing molecular diagnostic assays based on human biomarkers with one of its focuses to celiac disease diagnostics. We developed a molecular diagnostic assay to screen HLA genotypes that are known to be associated with celiac disease (CD). Up to date, CD is diagnosed by serology (e.g. the presence of auto-antibodies to tissue transglutaminase 2 in the serum) and diagnosis requires further proof by analysis of a duodenal biopsy specimen. The collection of biopsy specimens requires an invasive examination and correct embedding of the tissue is essential for proper analysis of the tissue. This part of CD diagnosis is expensive, elaborate and prone to mistake. Innovation that trustworthy and efficiently can replace biopsy is in high demand. GRANROSE will enable Microbiome to strengthen its position as an innovative biotech SME, developing a novel assay, NeutroScan, for the CD market. GRANROSE will do this through hiring an Innovation Associate (IA).
• The IA will confirm and complete a biomarker panel that plays a role in gluten-related neutrophil function.
• The IA will develop an assay to study neutrophil function in gluten-related disease.
• The IA will perform a technical feasibility study for and investigate the market potential of the NeutroScan, an assay distinguishing gluten-related disease based on neutrophil function.
GRANROSE will not only bring major benefits for Microbiome, but is focused around the training of the Innovation Associate, thereby greatly improving his/her career development.
• Gaining novel technical skills and building an own research line with translational diagnostic applications.
• Gaining innovation and business management skills in a multidisciplinary setting.
• A training program tailored to his/her specific needs and major contribution to personal career development.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinator
CT19 6HQ FOLKESTONE
United Kingdom
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.