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H2020Doctoral network2020–2024

NATURE-ETN · Nucleic Acids for Future Gene Editing, Immunotherapy and Epigenetic Sequence Modification

Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2020-04-01 → 2024-09-30
EU contribution
€4,041,816
Participants
10
Scheme
MSCA-ITN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Nucleic Acids for Future Gene Editing, Immunotherapy and Epigenetic Sequence Modification

The NATURE-ETN project forged a new integrated network between 10 industry-academia partners and trained 15 early-stage researchers (ESRs) using cutting-edge resources at leading research facilities, universities, and biopharmaceutical enterprises throughout the EU. The research programme involved world-leading chemists in combination with high-tech/biotech companies (baseclick) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (NIBRT and ATDBio). NATURE-ETN executed three main objectives: 1. We provided training excellence and expertise to 15 ESRs in cutting-edge research areas of nucleic acid chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, biological chemistry, gene editing, X-ray crystallography, cancer immunotherapy, epigenetic base manipulation and DNA sequencing. ESRs within NATURE-ETN undertook two, independent, secondment periods to industry and cross-disciplinary academia. Though this bespoke programme, we fostered collaborative relationships, creativity, and confidence to enhance the training experience, productivity, scientific excellence, and cooperation of all 15 fellows. 2. Our ESRs developed a deep skillset in scientific and transferable skills and in the translation of basic research into high-functioning commercial nucleic acid therapies in breakthrough research areas of gene therapy and epigenetic base manipulation. 3. Research within NATURE-ETN focused on: a. New types of gene editing technologies that differ from the current state-of-art; b. New approaches to probing the prebiotic origins of life and in the development of cell-based cancer immunotherapy by employing therapeutic oligonucleotides, and; c. Novel sequencing, imaging, and profiling technologies for epigenetic base detection and manipulation. NATURE-ETN’s ESRs were trained to address some of the most important scientific questions while also engaging with societal needs. We anticipate the newly trained NATURE-ETN ESRs will evolve to become the next-generation of pioneering scientific leaders in Europe, where they can grow our commercial need for disruptive technologies in 21st-century medicine.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Nucleic acid (NAs) therapies are predicted to yield major advances in the treatment of human disease and new approaches in NA design are required to extend the boundaries of today`s gene editing technologies, cancer immunotherapies, and epigenetic base manipulation tools. Current gene editing technologies involving CRISPR-Cas9, despite their wide applicability, have serious limitations involving off-target or prolonged effects that produce mutations, insertions, and deletions leading to undesired therapeutic outcomes. Questions also remain regarding the development and delivery of NAs for manipulation of T-cells, now seen as the new paradigm in cancer research. NATURE-ETN will meet this challenge by engineering new biomaterials and therapies to extend the boundaries of i.) gene editing technology, ii.) cancer immunotherapy, and iii.) epigenetic base manipulation. Our research programme involves world-leading chemists and biologists in combination with high-tech/biotech SMEs and industry partners. We will use our combined expertise in NA chemistry, DNA crystallography, materials chemistry, cell culture, and epigenetic sequencing to develop an outstanding multi-disciplinary environment were 15 Early Stage Researchers will receive unrivalled research training in the most exciting gene therapy research today. The intersectoral training provided will encompass scientific and transferable skills, an understanding of industry, and features targeted workshops in sequencing and genomics along with quality/business management and future career planning. NATURE-ETN will leverage breakthrough discoveries—some originating from our own laboratories—to provide training excellence to give our fellows a deep skillset in the translation of basic research into high functioning commercial NA biomaterials. NATURE-ETN will develop the next generation of pioneering scientific leaders in Europe where they will grow our commercial need for disruptive technologies in 21st century medicine.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY · DublinCoordinatorIreland
  • ATDBIO LIMITED · Southampton HampshireUnited Kingdom
  • BASECLICK GMBH · NeuriedGermany
  • ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE DE CHIMIE DE PARIS · ParisFrance
  • LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN · PlaneggGermany
  • NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR BIOPROCESSING RESEARCH AND TRAINING LIMITED · BLACKROCK DUBLINIreland
  • THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · OxfordUnited Kingdom
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF READING · ReadingUnited Kingdom
  • UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI · WarszawaPoland
  • USTAV ORGANICKE CHEMIE A BIOCHEMIE, AV CR, V.V.I. · PRAHA 6Czechia

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union