Objective
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled the development of cell replacement therapies (CRTs), where dopaminergic neurons are transplanted into the brain to restore function. However, transplanted cells require years to mature and integrate into host circuits, delaying therapeutic benefits.
This project introduces a novel strategy combining tissue engineering with neuromodulation to accelerate recovery. Building on recent evidence that specific electrical stimulation protocols promote neuronal maturation, the project will leverage temporal interference stimulation (TIS), a non-invasive deep brain neuromodulation technique, to enhance the functional integration of human iPSC-derived dopaminergic grafts.
The GRAFT-IT (GRAft Integration via TIS) project entails three objectives: (1) identify optimal stimulation protocols for dopaminergic differentiation and function of in human neural cells, using a high-throughput in vitro platform; (2) evaluate efficacy in a preclinical model of PD using state-of-the-art neuroimaging (optogenetics-fMRI) combined with behavioral analysis, to track graft connectivity and functionality in real time; (3) validate the approach for clinical translation using GMP-compliant cell lines in collaboration with the biotech startup AzureCell, contributing to the development of a combined regulatory framework for neuromodulation and neural regeneration.
By bridging deep-brain neuromodulation with regenerative medicine, the GRAFT-IT project establishes a new “electroceutical” approach for CRT in PD that aims to shorten time-to-benefit and improve therapeutic outcomes. The MSCA fellowship will allow the candidate to gain interdisciplinary skills, accelerating their academic career towards developing non-pharmacological therapies for brain regeneration with strong clinical and industrial potential.
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 biological sciences cell biology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology tissue engineering
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology neurodegenerative diseases parkinson
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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-2025-PF
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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.
1211 Geneve
Switzerland
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.