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H2020Staff exchange2016–2019

RUBICON · Training network for Research on molecUlar and Biomechanical Interactions in CONnective tissue disorders

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2016-01-01 → 2019-12-31
EU contribution
€607,500
Participants
10
Scheme
MSCA-RISE

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Training network for Research on molecUlar and Biomechanical Interactions in CONnective tissue disorders

Connective tissue is the most abundant and widely distributed tissue in vertebrates. In humans, there are three types of connective tissues: connective tissue proper, cartilage and bone. Connective tissue disorders (CTDs) can arise from injuries, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory status, hormonal dysfunctions and impaired biomechanics. Injuries to tendon and ligaments alone affect 20% of the general population. Also, over 500 inherited and congenital CTDs have been described. While they are individually rare, heritable CTDs comprise the most abundant group of heritable diseases in humans. RUBICON, a network of 10 research groups from Europe and around the world, conducted a joint research programme to study the molecular and biomechanical interactions that contribute to conditions affecting various connective tissues, including tendinopathies, rare diseases, osteoporosis in the ageing population, and delayed fracture healing. The overall research objectives of RUBICON are: • To better understand the mechanisms of CTDs, in particular identifying any common factors. The new knowledge obtained will provide a strong basis for further research, treatment and prevention. • To develop new experimental models for studying CTDs which can be used in further research. • To identify targetable pathways, and other therapeutic strategies that can provide the basis for innovative and improved treatments for human CTDs. Overall conclusions: • Circadian rhythm controlled by clock genes is important for the health of many connective tissues, including tendon and cartilage. • RUBICON has increased knowledge of the mechanisms of the rare CTDs studied, and has further characterised mouse and cell models of these diseases. • Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is expressed by osteoblasts under unloading conditions but has no role in tendons, while it is confirmed to have an important role in the interactions between bone and vascular system. • RUBICON has identified potential new therapeutic approaches or drug targets for tendon and ligament injury. • RUBICON has obtained novel insights in the role of the extracellular matrix, oxygen tension and the protein Mucin 1 in the fracture healing process.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

RUBICON will establish a global network for staff exchange of scientists and for research training focussed on connective tissue disorders. It will bring together leading scientific groups from 5 European and 5 non-European countries who will study the molecular and biomechanical factors involved in the pathophysiology of connective tissues, including tendons, cartilage and bone. The ambitious objectives of RUBICON are to increase our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying diverse connective tissue disorders, identify commonalities and targetable pathways, and reinforce multidisciplinary awareness in this fundamental research field. Researchers involved in secondments between RUBICON participants will investigate genetic determinants, circadian clock, extracellular matrix components, soluble biochemical factors and intracellular signalling pathways, ER stress and oxidative components involved in connective tissue homeostasis and pathogenesis. Extensive training during secondments will include new technologies and innovation, study design, interdisciplinary laboratory research, data analysis, research management, ethics in animal and human studies, and development of scientific and communication skills. All participating laboratories will ensure attractive working conditions in excellent and internationally recognised institutions, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments and excellent core facilities. Webinars, courses and meetings will provide additional opportunities for training and networking, also be open to external participants. RUBICON is a unique interdisciplinary network including cell biologists, molecular biologists, animal biologists, morphologists, geneticists, biochemists and clinicians who will cross-fertilise their respective research fields. The long-term goal of RUBICON is to consolidate a class of young scientists to secure future developments in the connective tissue arena and create a solid basis for further collaboration in this field.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DELL'AQUILA · L AQUILACoordinatorItaly
  • ANNA UNIVERSITY CHENNAI · CHENNAIIndia
  • ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM · RotterdamNetherlands
  • ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NEW YORKUnited States
  • MURDOCH CHILDRENS RESEARCH INSTITUTE PUBLIC COMPANY LBG · ParkvilleAustralia
  • REGION HOVEDSTADEN · HillerodDenmark
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · PokfulamHong Kong SAR China
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER · ManchesterUnited Kingdom
  • UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN · RondeboschSouth Africa
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE · Newcastle Upon TyneUnited Kingdom

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union