HEALING

Joint training and research on Hedhehog-Gli signalling and its pharmacological modulation for regenerative medicine

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Debilitating degenerative diseases such as non-healing wounds and neurodegeneration do not yet have a cure. They represent a huge unmet medical need worldwide, especially in the aging European population. To reduce the incidence and improve recovery from such ephitelial diseases there is an major need to understand molecular signaling in order to promote stem cell behavior and enhance regeneration and healing. The key objectives of the HEALING network are 1) to train researchers in the fields of molecular signaling, developmental genetics, stem cell biology and small molecule chemistry; 2) to elucidate the mechanisms regulating one of the most promising pathways, Hedgehog-Gli (Hh-Gli) signaling; 3) to manipulate it by the development of specific small molecule agonists for future therapeutic use. Specifically, our research will (a) analyze the basic molecular mechanisms of Hh-Gli signaling in two model organisms and in human cells using leading technologies. In particular, (b) address the mechanisms that ensure controlled Hh-Gli function during skin wound healing and brain repair. (c) develop new small molecule Hh-Gli agonists for use as tools to be used as future therapeutics to enhance wound healing, regeneration and repair in a controlled manner. This network consists of 7 leading academic and research institutions, and 2 biotech companies from 8 European countries. It strengthens existing scientific collaboration, provides complementary expertise and brings together a critical mass for training and research. Additionally, it includes experts from Europe, Canada and Singapore, notably a pioneer in Hh-Gli signaling. HEALING will greatly enhance the training of the next generation of leading scientists in Hh-Gli signaling, stem cells and regenerative medicine. Thus, it will increase the competitiveness of highly skilled staff and of the European biotech industry, which has just recently discovered the role of Hh-Gli signaling in human disease and lags behind the US'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Triggering endogenous stem cells to replenish the injured tissue is the one of the tenets of regenerative medicine . For this purpose, a European consortium trained young scientists in the field of stem cell research.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Hedgehog signalling is a key developmental pathway initially identified in Drosophila. In mammals, intercellular signalling is driven by three homologues of the hedgehog protein and is reportedly essential for the appropriate development of many organs.

Hedgehog signalling is also emerging as a key pathway in many diseases including chronic and degenerative diseases like faulty skin wound repair and Parkinson's (PD). With this in mind, the EU-funded http://www.fp7-healing.eu (HEALING) network set out to train the next generation of stem cell researchers in multidisciplinary but complementary areas. The consortium brought together seven leading academic and research institutions, and two biotech companies to form a solid training network.

The scientific objectives of the network included delineating the molecular mechanisms that regulate Hedgehog signalling and developing specific small molecule agonists. The rationale behind these modulator molecules was that the manipulation of aberrant Hedgehog signalling could cure many diseases or stimulate tissue regeneration.

The network organised summer schools, two international meetings, and courses in business and bioethics as well as exchange visits in participating labs. A total of 13 early-stage researchers and four experienced researchers were included in this training scheme They worked towards achieving the project objectives under the supervision of renowned European scientists.

On one level, the HEALING network provided novel insight into the regulation of Hedgehog signalling as well its potential manipulation for therapeutic purposes. At another level, the consortium successfully trained young researchers to become leading scientists in Hedgehog signalling, stem cells and regenerative medicine. Given the increasing number of European citizens who suffer from debilitating diseases, the HEALING findings will help towards the development of novel regenerative drugs.