Project description
Stem cell therapy could restore local and distant neuronal brain networks
Science has made tremendous progress in understanding the neuronal circuitry of the brain in both health and disease, as well as in terms of its structure and function. Our knowledge of local and distant brain circuitry seen in neurodegenerative diseases, combined with the potential of human embryonic stem cells for cell and tissue regeneration, can advance the treatment of debilitating diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's. The EU-funded NSC-Reconstruct project is pushing the frontiers in research on stem cells for single cell types. In an ambitious effort, the team plans to reconstruct local networks through the incorporation of numerous cell types, and to restore complex networks and cortical projections, for truly functional and effective repair in complicated conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.
Objective
Neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries affect large patient groups and carry large unmet clinical needs. NSC-Reconstruct will respond to these needs by developing innovative therapies based on cell replacement, cell reprogramming and circuit reconstruction that have the potential to transform how we treat a wide range of neurological diseases and disorders.
In this area of clinical science European research has generated groundbreaking knowledge that has resulted in a pioneering human embryonic stem cell-derived product that is now entering clinical trials for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In NSC-Reconstruct we will move beyond the replacement of a single neuronal type towards future cell therapies with enhanced authenticity, functions and compositions.
NSC-Reconstruct will address PD as an example of disorder for which single neuron replacement has been developed. Our focus in PD will be on incorporating improved cell types and on local network reconstruction. We will also work on repairing long distance networks such as those affected in Huntington’s disease and finally in restoring the complex networks and projections of the cerebral cortex to achieve effective repair in conditions known to affect this structure, such as trauma or stroke.
NSC-Reconstruct will lead to (i) the generation of neuronal types with clinically relevant functionality starting from human pluripotent stem cells or through in situ reprogramming, (ii) the optimization of donor cell composition through grafting of functional modules comprising distinct cell types capable of forming appropriate connections, (iii) the restoration of function through the reconstruction of these damaged connections and finally (iv) a greater understanding of the immunogenicity of grafted cells and how this can be minimized.
Ultimately, NSC-Reconstruct will provide unique knowledge and products that will pave the way for future CNS cell replacement therapies using functionally enhanced and immune-tolerant cells.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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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)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.3.1. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Health, demographic change and well-being
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.3.1.3. - Treating and managing disease
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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.
RIA - Research and Innovation action
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-SC1-BHC-2018-2020
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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.
20122 Milano
Italy
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.