HIV latency: identifying what keeps the virus dormant
dr. M.M.K. Hansen (Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University)
HIV remains a pressing global health threat, affecting millions worldwide. HIV infected cells can be found in two states, either actively replicating, where HIV is killing a patient’s immune cells as it spreads; or in a dormant state, called latency, where HIV is quietly hiding and cannot be targeted by drug treatment. HIV latency is the major barrier to an HIV cure. In this project, we will study how HIV remains dormant and hides within human cells with the ultimate goal of devising a new strategy to minimize the latent HIV population within patients.
Visualizing Early Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in Human Neurons in a Reliable Manner
dr. E. van Hugte (Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, caused by aggregation of the protein alpha-synuclein (αSyn). Understanding how and when αSyn aggregates form remains a major challenge in comprehending PD pathology, as there is currently no method to visualize the early stages of aggregation. We propose to develop an innovative method to study αSyn aggregation under near native conditions in human neurons. Using a novel protein labelling technique we aim to monitor real-time aggregation inside living cells, which could pave the way for new therapies targeting the early phases of PD.
About the ENW-XS grant
The Open Competition ENW - XS grants of up to €50,000 are intended to enable promising ideas, innovative and high-risk initiatives within the seven ENW disciplines. The proposed research is groundbreaking and it is not predetermined whether the intended objective will be achieved. What counts is that every result, both positive and negative, advances science.