The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded grants to sixteen proposals in the field of Exact and Natural Sciences in the M category, two of which are led by Radboud researchers. The grants, ranging from 400,000 to 800,000 euros, are intended for innovative, high-quality fundamental research of scientific urgency. In the ENW-XS scheme, where projects receive a maximum of 50,000 euros, a total of 56 grants were awarded, four of which were for projects led by Radboud researchers.
ENW-M
Turning the toxins of the tubercle bacillus against itself
Wilbert Bitter (AUMC) & Robert Jansen
The tuberculosis bacillus is capable of producing and secreting various toxins. These toxins are directed not only against the host but also especially against other bacteria. However, the bacillus must also protect itself; otherwise, the production of these toxins would lead to its own demise. Therefore, the production of these toxins is precisely regulated. We will study the production and function of these toxins in detail to see if we can turn them against the bacillus itself, thereby weakening the tuberculosis bacteria and then eliminating them with antibiotics.
Molecules with Boundaries: Keeping It Cool While Interacting
Tijs Karman
Scientists have recently achieved cooling of molecules to temperatures of only one-billionth of a degree above absolute zero – some of the coldest matter in the known universe. At these temperatures, molecules can be used to realize new quantum technologies. The break-through technique for cooling has been “shielding”, which prevents loss of the molecules in collisions, making cooling efficient. Now that we have succeeded in cooling molecules to quantum gases, our focus shifts; Next we want to know how to control interactions between molecules to realize building blocks of these new technologies.
ENW-XS
Malaria’s Mating Call
M.M. Jore
With 600,000 deaths each year, malaria remains the most devastating parasitic disease. Malaria is spread via mosquitoes. Inside the mosquito, a male parasite needs to find and mate with a female parasite. Male parasites find female parasites with an extremely high success rate, but it remains unknown why they are so efficient. Serendipitously, the researchers found evidence that female parasites send out a “mating call”, activating the male parasites so that the males start moving towards the female. Here, researchers will identify this attraction factor, which will be the starting point of the development of new treatments to eradicate malaria.
Activating PEG: From Stealth to Function
J. Luan
Nanomedicines, such as drug-loaded nanoparticles, are often coated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) or oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) to evade the immune system. These coatings are assumed to be “invisible” to cells, but evidence suggests they can trigger immune responses. The goal of this proposal is to determine whether subtle differences in PEG/OEG conformation can control nanocarrier interactions with cells. Using precisely designed vesicles, we will study how OEG conformation affects cellular uptake and drug delivery. This work could lead to smarter nanomedicines that efficiently target cancer cells while minimizing side effects.
It takes two: Development of bivalent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drugs
M.J.M. Schaaf
Corticosteroids are widely used drugs to treat inflammatory diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but their use is often limited by serious adverse effects. This project aims to develop a new type of corticosteroid that maintains therapeutic benefits while reducing these unwanted effects. We will design innovative ‘double’ steroid molecules that bring together two corticosteroid receptors, potentially changing the effects of these drugs. By testing these compounds in cells and in a zebrafish model, we will evaluate their effectiveness and safety. This research could lead to safer treatments for many patients and improve our understanding of corticosteroid signaling.
Exploiting Sugar Transport Pathways to Supercharge Antibiotics
W.A. Velema
The rise of antibiotic resistance presents a serious challenge for both modern medicine and global public health. Conventional strategies for antibiotic discovery have largely proven ineffective, underscoring the need for innovative and unconventional solutions. In this project, we introduce a novel concept that leverages bacteria’s own cellular systems to transport antisense molecules that act as potent antibacterial agents. This approach is particularly promising because it enables the targeting of virtually any bacterial gene, offering a flexible platform to combat resistant strains. We believe this strategy has the potential to redefine how we address the growing global problem of antibiotic resistance.