Peptide Dynamic Amphiphiles for Gene Therapy and Macromolecular Delivery: TraffikGene

Programme(s): H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Topic(s): ERC-2018-PoC - ERC Proof of Concept Grant

Call for proposal: ERC-2018-PoC

Funding Scheme: ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

Grant agreement ID: 838002

Project description: Novel peptide vehicles for macromolecule delivery
Gene therapy has great potential for the treatment of many diseases. Non-viral vectors and cell-penetrating materials are gaining ground as safer alternatives to viral vectors for gene delivery. The key objective of the EU-funded TraffikGene project is to develop peptide vehicles for the delivery of customised cargos. Researchers will functionalise peptide/polymer scaffolds with different aldehyde tails and optimise the technology for the delivery of nucleic acids. Moreover, the TraffikGene system can be employed for the transport of antibodies and in cell targeting strategies offering the opportunity for controlled release of macromolecules.

Objective: The delivery of exogenous nucleic acids and related macromolecules is one of the most encouraging tools for the future of human health. However, the delivery of the required genetic cargo still constitutes an important challenge. Although non-viral vectors are still in their preliminary clinical steps they are rising up as a real alternative for gene therapeutics. Oligopeptides and polymer cell penetrating materials constitute one of the most promising alternatives for the protection, transport and controlled release of different macromolecular cargos. Under the framework of the ERC-Stg_DYNAP we have methodology that employs dynamic covalent bonds to connect peptide/polymer scaffolds with different aldehyde tails (cationic, hydrophobic, glycans, PEGs, etc.). This key synthetic advantage allows the quick identification of different peptide vehicles for customized cargos. The recent interest of important industrial partners in our technology confirms the strong interest and potential impact of our platform. TraffikGene will diversify the potential market applications of this technology and will allow us to reach a higher level of control for the market transference. We will optimize peptide libraries for the delivery of new nucleic acids (i.e. mRNA) in in vitro and in vivo. The potential commercial success will be maximized by diversification of the applications in gene therapy, cytosolic delivery, antibody transport, cell targeting, blood brain barrier crossing, etc. A market analysis will identify industrial needs, market niches, financial requirements and stakeholders for commercialization. The best future IPR strategy will be carefully evaluated and decided (i.e. product licensing, product development, spin-off, etc.). TraffikGene will allow us to identify and solve challenges required to improve, diversify and exploit the strong potential market applications of our discoveries in the field of gene and macromolecular controlled delivery.