Menu
MapConnectionsTopicsBulgariaThe Night (K-TRIO)Marie Skłodowska-CurieFor studentsFor teachersMethodologySurprise me
H2020Doctoral network2016–2020

PDZnet · Unraveling Principles of PDZ-mediated Cell Signaling

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2016-09-01 → 2020-08-31
EU contribution
€3,733,515
Participants
10
Scheme
MSCA-ITN-ETN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Unraveling Principles of PDZ-mediated Cell Signaling

PDZ domains are abundant protein and lipid recognizing modules that function as central organizers and regulators of dynamic cell signaling processes. In conjunction with cell membrane proteins, proteins comprising PDZ domains facilitate transmission of extracellular information into physiological output. PDZnet has been an ambitious PhD training network that brought together cutting-edge life sciences disciplines, ranging from chemical synthesis of PDZ domain modulators to studies in live animals with the overarching aim of gaining fundamental insight into the role of the PDZ interactome in cell biology and human physiology. PDZnet conducted basic research that advanced our understanding of how PDZ domain proteins act as cellular motherboards that orchestrate signaling pathways, including recognition, differentiation and integration of extracellular stimuli into appropriate cellular responses. The PDZnet research thereby aimed to shed light on the molecular machinery that is fundamental to life. While the immediate translational perspectives of a project like PDZnet can be challenging to grasp, the insights obtained from our work might in fact pave the way for advancing the utilization of PDZ domains as relevant therapeutic intervention points in major age- associated pathological conditions including cancer, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite recent intensive drug development efforts, poor treatment opportunities remain a common denominator for these rapidly growing diseases. By bringing together leading academic and industrial experts, PDZnet has enhanced the awareness of PDZ domains as novel therapeutic targets and may stipulate a paradigm-shift in industrial drug discovery programs. Potential drug candidates ascending from the PDZnet research will benefit the aging European population and the European economy, which is overburdened by increasing healthcare costs. Finally, each of the individual 14 PhD fellows will benefit from a highly structured, innovative and interdisciplinary training that has enhanced their future career perspectives and their contribution to progressing human knowledge.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

PDZnet will create an innovative European PhD training network focusing on unraveling PDZ domain-mediated signaling networks. The emphasis will be on signaling nodes essential for the development of cancer and diseases of the nervous system, conditions that affect millions of Europeans and are major societal challenges. PDZ domains are protein and lipid recognizing modules that play a central role in trafficking and organizing diverse cell signaling assemblies, thereby allowing information to be transmitted from receptors, ion channels and transporters in the cell membrane. PDZ domain mediated interactions are emerging as conceptually novel and promising drug targets, with exciting opportunities for the development of novel therapies, especially within cancer and brain diseases. We will establish a European multidisciplinary platform integrating a plethora of complementary life science disciplines that range from chemical development of inhibitors to studies in live animals. The network encompasses 8 academic and 2 industrial beneficiaries as well as one industrial and one academic partner, which are all committed to promote frontline research, innovation and educational activities within the study of PDZ domain-mediated signal transduction pathways related to brain diseases and cancer. This interdisciplinary network will establish an outstanding training opportunity for Early Stage Researchers, who will be integrated in projects unraveling intracellular PDZ domain interactomes to provide pertinent information for discovering drug-related interactions. In a comprehensive and integrated training effort, involving a combination of scientific and transferable skills, the students will receive an interdisciplinary, intersectoral and innovative doctoral training from experienced industrial and academic leaders in well-reputed European Institutions.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET · KOBENHAVNCoordinatorDenmark
  • CENTRE EUROPEEN DE RECHERCHE EN BIOLOGIE ET MEDECINE · Illkirch GraffenstadenFrance
  • EUROPEAN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LABORATORY · HeidelbergGermany
  • INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE · ParisFrance
  • INSTITUT PASTEUR · ParisFrance
  • JOHANN WOLFGANG GOETHE-UNIVERSITAET FRANKFURT AM MAIN · Frankfurt Am MainGermany
  • NOVO NORDISK A/S · BagsvaerdDenmark
  • SYSTASY BIOSCIENCE GMBH · PlaneggGermany
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA · RomaItaly
  • UPPSALA UNIVERSITET · UppsalaSweden

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union