Project description
Development of a novel organ-on-chip model for the nervous system
Innovative in vitro models, so-called organs-on-chips, recapitulate the structure and function of human organs and are important for basic scientific research and the preclinical development of novel therapeutics. Cell connectivity and the crosstalk between different components of organ systems are essential for understanding complex conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. The EU-funded CONNECT project is developing the next-level in vitro models for the nervous system. The project represents an interdisciplinary effort involving nanofabrication, microfluidics, stem cell technology, tissue engineering and advanced imaging. As proof-of-principle, CONNECT aims to demonstrate the efficacy of this system model in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Objective
Novel micro-engineered in vitro models have been developed to mimic key functions of human organs. These so-called organ-on-chips (OoC) recapitulate the structure and function of human organs, and are particularly important for scientific research that is underlying our knowledge base of diseases and for the pre-clinical development of novel therapeutics. However, the application of these models has its limitations as they do not mimic the complexity and functioning of complete organ systems. Connectivity between cells and the linkage between different components of organ systems is essential in studying complex conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases. These diseases form a major challenge for the scientific community and are associated with a heavy burden on society and the global healthcare systems. To effectively grasp the complexity of neurodegenerative disorders, the CONNECT consortium develops the next level in vitro model systems for the nervous system and puts it firmly on the map. The project acts at the convergence of a multitude of disciplines including nanofabrication, microfluidics, stem cell technology, tissue engineering and advanced imaging. The successful completion of this high risk-high gain project will enable for the first time to study a complete organ system and deliver a viable paradigm for future technology to study connectivity in the nervous system. The proposed work in this project offers a unique opportunity to culture individual nervous system components and connect them in a single “smart” microfluidic chip (CONNECT platform), forming an elementary three compartment model from the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). As Proof-of-Principle, CONNECT will demonstrate the feasibility of this system model in Parkinson’s Disease. This provides CONNECT with novel insights, thereby paving the way for future development of therapeutic strategies.
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: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
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.1.2. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Future and Emerging Technologies (FET)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.2.2. - FET Proactive
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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-FETPROACT-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.
5612 AE Eindhoven
Netherlands
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.