Projects / Programmes
Neurotoxicity or neuroprotection of nanomaterials: the rele of biocorona
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.03.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B001 |
Biomedical sciences |
General biomedical sciences |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.06 |
Natural Sciences |
Biological sciences |
neurodegeneration, nanomaterials, biomarkers, protein corona, neuroprotection
Researchers (33)
Organisations (6)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0481 |
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty |
Ljubljana |
1626914 |
66,306 |
| 2. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,695 |
| 3. |
0381 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine |
Ljubljana |
1627066 |
48,236 |
| 4. |
0382 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences |
LJUBLJANA |
1627155 |
14,406 |
| 5. |
1538 |
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering |
Ljubljana |
1626965 |
27,762 |
| 6. |
1540 |
University of Nova Gorica |
Nova Gorica |
5920884000 |
14,067 |
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: One of the most promising applications of nanoscience in medicine is in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but nanomaterials have also been attributed as a causative factor of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, current and future dynamics of nanotechnology will be based on the balance of these two realities.
Alzheimer’s dementia and aging populations are a global priority for research and health policy. In Slovenia, this area is placed within Strategic Research and Innovation Partnerships (SRIP) Health-Medicine. The lead partner of this proposal, prof. dr. Damjana Drobne, is coordinating pillar “Active and healthy aging” within this strategic area where priority is given to neurodegeneration (http://www.sis-egiz.eu/en/activities/srip/ ).
Despite a lot of effort, the basic cause of AD is still not entirely clear and presently no cure exists that could reverse neurodegeneration. Consequently, research in the field of neuroprotection is gaining importance. In this context, products of nanotechnologies could be used as carriers of antioxidants and cholinesterase inhibitors, assist in biomarker development to aid in early neurodegeneration diagnostic tools and for the development of new neurodegeneration treatments.
AIM: The aim of this project is to provide basic knowledge to support the application of nanomaterials for their beneficial use in neuroprotection, neurotoxicity prevention and in the early diagnosis of neurodegeneration.
Materials and methods: In our work we will address the diagnosis and prevention of neurodegenerative disease. The project presented here is organised into three interconnected phases looking at nanomaterials neurotoxic and neuroprotective effects in both in vivo and in vitro models. In the test systems applied, interactions between nanomaterials and neuronal and endothelial cells in vitro (Phase I) as well as in in vivo (Phase II) will be studied. In Phase III, the identified biomarkers will be validated with samples from patients with neurodegenerative disorders. As the final outcome of the project, high throughput nanomaterial protein corona fingerprint test will be elaborated.
Selected candidate biomarkers related to neurotoxicity/neurodegeneration are: (a) composition and abundance of cell-derived vesicles (exosomes) and (b) alterations in acetylcholinesterase amounts, splice variants and activity.
DISCUSSION: We believe that the results generated in the proposed project will assist in the selection of nanomaterials by highlighting those with neurotoxic potential and identifying those which support neuroprotection. Biomarker development and validation is designed to aid in the early diagnosis of neurodegeneration. A novelty in our study will be the use of a (c) nanomaterial serum protein corona fingerprint approach to compare blood samples of healthy individuals and AD patients. The proof of concept of nanomaterial protein corona fingerprint test was developed in our previous study (Sopotnik et al. 2015).
CONSORTIUM: The lead partner of the project is a member of consortia submitting application for COST action entitled The European Network for Alzheimer’s Disease, Acronym: EUNAD (Open Call Collection OC-2017-1, Proposal Reference OC-2017-1-22432). The COST action consortium posits that AD begins as a chronic injury in the cerebral vasculature and has an earlier origin in the heart and vascular system, not the brain. For the purpose of this project, lead partner prof. dr. Damjana Drobne organized a consortium of experts from different fields who have previously collaborated and have proven scientific excellence in the field of cell biology and microscopy (UL MF), biophysics of membranes (UL FE), health sciences (UL FHS), biochemistry and molecular biology (IJS), and analytical chemistry and laser spectroscopy (UNG). The lead partner has expertise in bio-nano interactions, nanotoxicology, biomarker development and cholinesterases.
Significance for science
The relevance of the project to the development of scientific field is very high because we are bringing together a core healthcare issue for all EU member states, which is Alzheimer’s disease, and nanotechnology as a Key Enabling Technology (KET) of smart, sustainable and inclusive development of European growth.
Dementia and aging populations are a global priority for research and health policy (Brayne and Miller 2017, PLoS Med 14(3): e1002275). Aging is a major research theme in many academic disciplines and industries (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia-11-december-2013 ).
Alzheimer's disease can have its onset up to 20 years before being diagnosed. The disease starts developing 5 to 8 years before it can be diagnosed with current technology. One of the objectives of this proposed project is to develop a method to reliably diagnose Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of the first clinical symptoms. Nanostructures may play a pivotal role not only in addressing the multitude of brain disorders but also in repairing or augmenting brain functions. Nanomaterial assisted neuroprotection is new and relevant field of research with high .
Nanomaterials are at the interface between nanotechnology and neuroscience and their ultimate goal is to develop novel approaches that directly or indirectly aid in meliorating neurodegeneration or in supporting neuroprotection (Vidu et al. 2014; Front Syst Neurosci. 2014; 8: 91.).
In the project described here, conventional biomarkers along with new nanomaterial based approaches, will be tested in vitro and in vivo and validated on AD patient’s blood samples. If the concept of early diagnostics will be proven on patients with AD, scientific results could be immediately translated into research/development (R&D) and innovation. This is the priority of Slovenian Strategic Research And Innovation Partnerships (SRIP) Health – medicine. This SRIP cluster has been recognized by the government to lead the way towards social and economic transformation. The principle investigator of the proposed project (D. Drobne) is leading one of the pillars in Health – Medicine SRIP, which is focused on active and healthy aging and promotes research activities related to support prevention, diagnosing and treatment of neurodegeneration (http://www.sis-egiz.eu/en/activities/srip/).
The relevance of the proposed project is very high also for entire society. Each tiny improvement in the early diagnosis as well as preclinical detection of neurodegeneration may have far-reaching effects. For example, according to Brookmeyer's calculations, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in 2050 could be reduced by 10 percent if the onset of Alzheimer's disease could be delayed by a year (Brookmeyer et al Special Issue: Statistical Methodology in Alzheimer's Disease Research, Volume 19, Issue 11-12, 15 - 30 June 2000, Pages 1481–1493).
Significance for the country
The relevance of the project to the development of scientific field is very high because we are bringing together a core healthcare issue for all EU member states, which is Alzheimer’s disease, and nanotechnology as a Key Enabling Technology (KET) of smart, sustainable and inclusive development of European growth.
Dementia and aging populations are a global priority for research and health policy (Brayne and Miller 2017, PLoS Med 14(3): e1002275). Aging is a major research theme in many academic disciplines and industries (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia/g8-dementia-summit-global-action-against-dementia-11-december-2013 ).
Alzheimer's disease can have its onset up to 20 years before being diagnosed. The disease starts developing 5 to 8 years before it can be diagnosed with current technology. One of the objectives of this proposed project is to develop a method to reliably diagnose Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of the first clinical symptoms. Nanostructures may play a pivotal role not only in addressing the multitude of brain disorders but also in repairing or augmenting brain functions. Nanomaterial assisted neuroprotection is new and relevant field of research with high .
Nanomaterials are at the interface between nanotechnology and neuroscience and their ultimate goal is to develop novel approaches that directly or indirectly aid in meliorating neurodegeneration or in supporting neuroprotection (Vidu et al. 2014; Front Syst Neurosci. 2014; 8: 91.).
In the project described here, conventional biomarkers along with new nanomaterial based approaches, will be tested in vitro and in vivo and validated on AD patient’s blood samples. If the concept of early diagnostics will be proven on patients with AD, scientific results could be immediately translated into research/development (R&D) and innovation. This is the priority of Slovenian Strategic Research And Innovation Partnerships (SRIP) Health – medicine. This SRIP cluster has been recognized by the government to lead the way towards social and economic transformation. The principle investigator of the proposed project (D. Drobne) is leading one of the pillars in Health – Medicine SRIP, which is focused on active and healthy aging and promotes research activities related to support prevention, diagnosing and treatment of neurodegeneration (http://www.sis-egiz.eu/en/activities/srip/).
The relevance of the proposed project is very high also for entire society. Each tiny improvement in the early diagnosis as well as preclinical detection of neurodegeneration may have far-reaching effects. For example, according to Brookmeyer's calculations, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in 2050 could be reduced by 10 percent if the onset of Alzheimer's disease could be delayed by a year (Brookmeyer et al Special Issue: Statistical Methodology in Alzheimer's Disease Research, Volume 19, Issue 11-12, 15 - 30 June 2000, Pages 1481–1493).
Most important scientific results
Interim report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report
