Project description
Improving gene delivery inside cells
Efficient delivery of genetic material inside cells is the cornerstone of gene therapies and mRNA-based vaccines. While viral vectors have been widely used, non-viral systems such as polyplexes and lipid nanoparticles offer safer and more flexible alternatives. However, they suffer from poor release of their cargo inside target cells. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DiPoLiGene project aims to improve the safety and efficiency of gene-based medicines by studying how these carriers behave within cells. Using advanced imaging and spectroscopy methods, researchers will investigate how pH changes and endosomal processes affect the release of genetic material. Project findings will pave the way for smarter, more effective gene delivery systems for therapeutic use.
Objective
Nucleic acid-based therapies are currently booming with the advent of mRNA vaccines formulation. Hence, gene delivery systems employing polyplexes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as versatile carriers have shown great promise for therapeutic applications due to the advantages in terms of tuneable properties and biocompatibility. Key to the success of these therapies is the development of efficient and controlled delivery systems capable of transporting the genetic material into target cells, releasing it intracellularly, and minimizing cytotoxicity. However, the efficient release of genetic material from its carriers within the endosomal compartments of target cells remains a critical challenge. This project will investigate the endosomal distribution and in-vitro dissociation mechanisms of polyplexes and LNPs, aiming to provide an outstanding insight on the structure/activity relation of nucleic acids careers. Employing a combination of state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy techniques such as Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), live-cell imaging, and physicochemical approaches, this research will uncover vital insights into the intracellular dynamics of these gene delivery carriers for the better understanding of endosomal escape and particles dissociation. Furthermore, we will explore the relations between pH distribution of endosomes at various maturation levels and the corresponding accumulation of particles. This research contributes valuable insights into the intracellular fate of gene delivery carriers and provides strategies to overcome endosomal entrapment. Improved understanding of endosomal distribution and in-vitro dissociation mechanisms will ultimately facilitate the development of more efficient and targeted gene delivery systems for therapeutic applications. This will bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications for a diverse spectrum of diseases.
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.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs vaccines
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
75794 Paris
France
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.