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HEDoctoral network2023–2027

RETORNA · Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease

Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Duration
2023-02-01 → 2027-01-31
EU contribution
€2,568,426
Participants
17
Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Results in brief

Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease

The present Doctoral Networks project “Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease” (RETORNA) aims to treat retinal diseases (RD) by using RNA therapies. Among the research objectives, we are studying different types of RNA that are expressed in retinal cells. By observing bioinformatic models, cell and tissue cultures, animal models, and human patients, we will be able to create RNA profiles for different RD. This screening will identify several targets that will be used as therapeutic approaches. Then, selected RNAs will be used to treat different RD, such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Furthermore, the potential economic and social impact of such strategies upon European countries is been studied, and the possibility of commercialization will be assessed. The RETORNA network is composed of 8 beneficiaries from Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany, Türkiye and Ireland and 9 associated partners subdivided in: 8 world class research laboratories, 1 private biotech company, 2 patient associations, 3 educational institutions and 3 consulting companies. RETORNA proposes breakthrough research, distributed in 10 individual projects, performed by 10 selected Doctoral Candidates (DCs). Some of the most highly qualified European scientists on the field are supervising these DCs, who will be awarded with a PhD at the end of the program. RETORNA offers an innovative, international, multi/interdisciplinary platform to train young scientists in the field of vision science, enabling the DCs with research and transferable skills, necessary for starting successful careers in academia, industry and others, enhancing their career perspectives and employability.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union

Project objective

Today, vision impairment up to total blindness represents an increasing global problem with significant social and economic impact upon affected patients and society as a whole. Despite the advancing of knowledge on their genetic basis, there is no effective cure for retinal diseases (RD) to date and therefore there is an urgent need to fill this gap.The present DN “Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease” (RETORNA) aims to treat RD by using RNA therapy. Among the research objectives, we will study different types of RNA that are expressed in retinal cells. By observing bioinformatic models, cell and tissue cultures, animal models, and human patients, we will be able to create RNA profiles for different RD. This screening will identify several targets that will be used as therapeutic approaches. Then, selected RNAs will be used to treat different RD, such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Furthermore, the potential economic and social impact of such strategies upon European countries will be studied, and the possibility of commercialization will be assessed.RETORNA proposes breakthrough research, distributed in 10 individual projects, performed by 10 Doctoral Candidates (DCs). Some of the most highly qualified European scientists of the field will supervise those DCs, who will be awarded with a PhD at the end of the program. Moreover, DCs will be provided with different transferable skills, necessary for starting successful careers in academia, but also in other areas: industry, public organizations, non-profit organizations, consultancy, etc.The RETORNA consortium consists of 8 beneficiaries, including 7 Universities and 1 Research Institute. The consortium will be managed by 5 different boards (research, managing, training, communication, and quality), all of them in continuous communication with the coordinator and with the general assembly.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

  • FUNDACION UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE VALENCIA SAN VICENTE MARTIR · ValenciaCoordinatorSpain
  • ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS LEIDEN · LeidenNetherlands
  • ARTHEX BIOTECH SL · ValenciaSpain
  • BAHCESEHIR UNIVERSITESI · IstanbulTürkiye
  • Catalyze B.V. · Amsterdam-DuivendrechtNetherlands
  • EBERHARD KARLS UNIVERSITAET TUEBINGEN · TuebingenGermany
  • FONDAZIONE TELETHON ETS · ROMAItaly
  • Federacion de Asociaciones de Distrofias Hereditarias de Retina de España · MadridSpain
  • Learning By Simulation · BerlicumNetherlands
  • PRO RETINA DEUTSCHLAND · AachenGermany
  • STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM · NijmegenNetherlands
  • STICHTING RADBOUD UNIVERSITEIT · NijmegenNetherlands
  • Salutem Insights · EnniscorthyIreland
  • UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE · AlicanteSpain
  • UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DELLA CAMPANIA LUIGI VANVITELLI · CasertaItaly
  • UNIVERSITAET LEIPZIG · LeipzigGermany
  • UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK · CorkIreland

Links

Data: CORDIS, © European Union