TINTIN · Training in neurodegeneration, therapeutics intervention and neurorepair

Dopamine neurons play a central role in major illnesses, such as anxiety and mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism-spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and dementia. A multidisciplinary approach must be taken by European researchers to discover the molecular basis of dopamine neurodegeneration and how new technologies will lead to repair and regeneration of neuronal systems in the brain. The TINTIN proposal describes how early stage researchers (ESRs) and experienced researchers (ERs) will undertake advanced research training projects on metabolism and autophagy in neurons, induced pluripotent stem cells and neurorepair systems. Parallel research projects will involve computational modelling of metabolism in the dopamine neuron and the in silico design of novel therapeutics that are selectively transported into the dopamine neuron. This fundamental training and research will be merged with new cutting edge glycan based biomarker technologies, drug simulation and computational/mathematical models of dopaminergic neurons. TINTIN will train young researchers by merging key research groups in 7 Universities and 8 industry/SME partners from Western Europe (Ireland, UK) across central and Southern Europe (Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain) and Eastern Europe (Turkey). The secondments of ESRs and ERs into and out of 8 commercial partners in the area of glycan discovery and drug design will ensure that researchers receive intensive training in emerging research areas in neurotherapeutic development as well as key information in how to commercialize such innovation and discovery. The breadth of the aims, techniques and knowledge of TINTIN, the academic basis, the integrating of ESRs and ERs into industry, the potential for transfer to the European pharmaceutical industry, and enrichment of scientific training across Europe all fit the ITN model.