An ambitious new project is about to take shape at the University of Milan, where researcher Elena Cattaneo and her team intend to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s chorea. Through an innovative approach, which combines different cellular technologies, a promising future for tailored cell therapy is foreseen.
The project, entitled “Custom-made Neurons for Cell Therapy in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease”, is the result of a collaboration between Cattaneo and three other European scientists: Annalisa Buffo (University of Turin), Malin Parmar (Lund University) and Jenny Emnéus (Technical University of Denmark). This ambitious six-year program will receive funding of 10 million euros from the European Research Council under the Synergy calls.
“We aim to develop personalized cell therapies, since the same disease can manifest itself differently in different people,” Cattaneo said. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of having ambitious targets and detailed procedures for the allocation of public funding by the European Union.
The project involves the use of embryonic stem cells, which will have to be acquired abroad due to the limitations imposed by Italian law. Cattaneo explained that currently in Italy it is not possible to derive stem cells from surplus blastocysts, but there are no impediments to purchasing them from foreign researchers.
“This situation represents an unsustainable hypocrisy,” Cattaneo said. “We are working to give hope to sick people.” Specific objectives include:
The initiative represents real hope for patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. With the advancement of research and European support, the possibility of developing tailor-made therapies could revolutionize the treatment of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. As science advances, so does the expectation for a future in which cell therapies could become a reality for many.
An innovative approach to neurodegenerative diseases Research on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s chorea, is making great strides thanks to an ambitious project led by Elena Cattaneo, a professor at the University of Milan.
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