Project description DEENESFRITPL Intelligent RNA-based delivery of new information into live cells The EU-funded DESTINATION project aims to create a first-generation RNA-based delivery platform (RNano) for effective delivery of information (mRNA) into cells in vivo. Addressing this challenging goal requires a novel, biocompatible and scalable system to protect the deliverable mRNA from degradation in blood, escape the immune response, and provide high selectivity in cell targeting. The consortium will use AI/machine learning to generate a library of programmable RNano scaffolds for packaged mRNA and RNA aptamers for laser-specific internalisation of RNanos into cells. DESTINATION success could enable novel functions such as the production of a cell's own medicine by replacing the faulty mRNA or engineering cells to fight genetic disorders and cancer. Show the project objective Hide the project objective Objective By combining the interdisciplinary fields of AI/machine learning with RNA nanotechnology, biochemistry and advanced imaging methods, DESTINATION aims to create a first-generation RNA-based delivery platform (RNano) for effective delivery of information such as mRNA into cells in vivo. mRNA translate the information encoded in a cell’s DNA into the proteins that are essential for diverse cell function and can be deficient in disease. Administering mRNA into a cell could enable diverse novel functions such as production of its own medicine by replacing the faulty mRNA or engineering cells to fight diseases from genetic disorders and cancer to infectious diseases. However, the ability to deliver mRNA to specific cells in a targeted organ remains an unmet challenge that limits its clinical and commercial potential. Addressing this challenge requires a novel, biocompatible and scalable system capable of (1) protecting the mRNA from degradation in blood; (2) evading the immune response; (3) and providing high selectivity for targeted cells. DESTINATION will generate an intelligent library of (a) programmable RNano scaffolds for attachment of packaged mRNA and (b) RNA aptamers for laser-specific internalization of RNanos into cells. Promising candidates will be tested in vitro, with lead candidates progressed to novel animal models. Ultra high-resolution imaging will allow for the evaluation of the technology, with an iterative R&D approach aimed at demonstrating 3breakthrough preclinical proof-of-concepts incl. in the attractive field of CAR-T cancer immune-therapies. DESTINATION comprises a multi-disciplinary consortium of top academics and 3 R&D-performing SMEs acting as commercialization agents to increase DESTINATION’s impact by developing a translation strategy and communication plan focused on providing early engagement with investors, regulators, potential manufacturing and industry partners. Together, DESTINATION will strengthen EU's position in the emerging fields of RNA technology. Fields of science medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesengineering and technologynanotechnologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.2. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) Main Programme H2020-EU.1.2.1. - FET Open Topic(s) FETOPEN-01-2018-2019-2020 - FET-Open Challenging Current Thinking Call for proposal H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2020 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-FETOPEN-2018-2019-2020-01 Funding Scheme RIA - Research and Innovation action Coordinator SIXFOLD BIOSCIENCE LTD Net EU contribution € 886 250,00 Address The imperial college white city inc innovation hub W12 0BZ London United Kingdom See on map Region London Inner London — West Kensington & Chelsea and Hammersmith & Fulham Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding 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 (6) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all EXPLORA SRL Italy Net EU contribution € 492 473,75 Address Via giacomo peroni 386 00131 Roma See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Centro (IT) Lazio Roma Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding 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 FUNDACION PARA LA INVESTIGACION MEDICA APLICADA FIMA Spain Net EU contribution € 509 183,75 Address Avenida de pio xii 55 31008 Pamplona See on map Region Noreste Comunidad Foral de Navarra Navarra 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 UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE United Kingdom Net EU contribution € 572 336,25 Address Kings gate NE1 7RU Newcastle upon tyne See on map Region North East (England) Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Tyneside 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 TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT EINDHOVEN Netherlands Net EU contribution € 306 750,00 Address Groene loper 3 5612 AE Eindhoven See on map Region Zuid-Nederland Noord-Brabant Zuidoost-Noord-Brabant 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 FUTURESYNTHESIS SP ZOO Poland Net EU contribution € 222 125,00 Address Rubiez, nr 46, lok. b 61612 Poznan See on map SME The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed. Yes Region Makroregion północno-zachodni Wielkopolskie Miasto Poznań Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding 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 RHEINISCHE FRIEDRICH-WILHELMS-UNIVERSITAT BONN Germany Net EU contribution € 392 770,00 Address Regina pacis weg 3 53113 Bonn See on map Region Nordrhein-Westfalen Köln Bonn, Kreisfreie Stadt 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
