Name of Fellow

    Institution

    Funder

    European Commission FP7-Seventh Framework Programme

    Contact information of fellow

    Country

    EC

    Title of project/programme

    Nanomaterials for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders

    Source of funding information

    European Commission FP7-Seventh Framework Programme

    Total sum awarded (Euro)

    € 299,558

    Start date of award

    01/04/14

    Total duration of award in years

    2.0

    The project/programme is most relevant to:

    Neurodegenerative disease in general

    Keywords

    Neuroprotection | nanoscience | nanoparticles | neurodegeneration | brain injury | Parkinson's | peptide mimetics | S100 | neuron | cell signalling

    Research Abstract

    Development of new strategies to treat neurodegenerative diseases is one of the key priorities of the European Union. Their socioeconomic burden is rapidly growing due to the increasing lifespan and the decreasing percentage of working population, currently costing the EU €130 billion a year in care.
    Despite efforts put in development of treatments for neurodegeneration, the bench-to-bedside translation of neuroprotective strategies remains very low. Major factors contributing to this problem are incomplete understanding of the mechanisms behind neuronal injuries, lack of compounds affecting multiple protective pathways/cell types, and side effects caused by broad-spectrum neuroprotectants. A separate crucial problem is the limited blood–brain barrier (BBB) passage of most compounds. Therefore, identification of effective therapeutic targets in the brain and delivery of novel low-cost neuroprotectants with minimal side effects and high BBB passage is of paramount importance.
    The emergence of nanoneuroscience is revolutionizing treatment of CNS disorders. This approach uses nanometer-scale materials, which can interact with biological systems at a molecular level, bypass cellular barriers and induce desired physiological responses in cells with minimal side effects. The project proposed here combines advanced methods of nanoscience and neurobiology to (1) characterize novel therapeutic targets and neuroprotective pathways in the brain and (2) design novel efficient nanoprotectants against neurodegenerative conditions, such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.
    The project will offer exemplary training for the Fellow in nanoneuroscience, as well as in project management skills, at Imperial College, ranked the 5th highest university internationally. These competencies will complement the already impressive range of the Fellow’s research and managing capabilities and will help her to develop as a leader in this frontier area of science.

Types: Fellowships
Member States: N/A
Diseases: Neurodegenerative disease in general
Years: 2016
Database Categories: N/A
Database Tags: N/A

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