Transferring autonomous and non autonomous cell degeneration 3D models between EU and USA for development of effective therapies for neurodegenerative diseases (ND) (CROSS-NEUROD)
Progetto Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Dementia, Parkinson’s and motor neuron diseases, are a major and
continuously growing worldwide health issue, particularly devastating for patients and their families. Yet, no cures
are available, largely due to the lack of knowledge of ND pathogenic mechanisms. Strikingly, co-occurrence of
several NDs in the same patient or family, and evidence that mutations in the same gene lead to several NDs are
indicating that common molecular pathways are involved across NDs. Elucidating these shared mechanisms could
have a major impact for the treatment and the prevention of this spectrum of NDs. Leveraging on our expertise
in studying autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms of NDs, we propose an innovative, multinational and
multidisciplinary collaborative research project to perform network analyses across NDs and identify key common
underlying mechanisms. The CROSS-NEUROD project is focused on: 1) the development of integrative in vitro 3D
disease models (mini-brains, mini-spinal cords, and motor unit) to elucidate common cellular and molecular pathways
across NDs; 2) the validation in animal models of the therapeutic targets identified. To achieve these aims we will
consolidate research partnerships through staff exchanges and networking activities between 3 European research
organizations, two of which from Italy, one from Greece, and a partner, USA. The project is based on a 4 years
coordinated joint program of exchanges of researchers for short periods. It has been developed from active bilateral
cooperation between individual countries and partners and represents the natural progression of our previously funded
and successfully completed EU 7PQ IRSES grant “No-MND” (2013 call). Our ongoing research programs are well
supported by funding. The RISE scheme provides a unique opportunity to integrate ongoing collaboration activities
into a coherent program addressing an issue of high priority for public health both in EU and USA.