NOVA Medical School has been awarded a Proof of Concept grant from the European Research Council (ERC), worth €150,000, for a project led by Principal Investigator Catarina Homem. The project aims to generate neurons more efficiently and in a way that more closely mirrors what occurs in the human body, with potential impact on fundamental research, disease modelling and, in the long term, clinical applications.
The project, entitled MetaBoost, consists of an innovative metabolic reprogramming platform designed to improve the differentiation and maturation of neurons generated in vitro. This approach addresses a limitation of current protocols by inducing, in a controlled manner, the metabolic transition from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, a key step in the development of functionally mature neurons.
The technology will be translated into a universal, easy-to-use cell culture medium supplement, compatible with different experimental systems, ranging from Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) models to human cells. By increasing the efficiency, reproducibility and functional maturity of in vitro–generated neurons, MetaBoost has the potential to significantly impact neuroscience research, drug discovery and the predictive power of human cellular models, while also contributing to a reduction in the reliance on animal models, aligned with the 3Rs principle.
According to Catarina Homem, “this project is a clear example of how fundamental research can evolve, even if in the long term, into an innovative solution with practical application.” The researcher further highlights that “this funding not only validates the scientific quality of the work developed, but also demonstrates that investing in basic research - where researchers have the freedom to explore fundamental questions - is one of the most effective strategies for fostering discoveries and technologies with practical and commercial relevance.”
The Proof of Concept grant will enable the advancement of research that, until now, has focused on studying the role of metabolism in neuronal differentiation in fruit fly models, extending it to human cellular systems. In parallel, the project will begin validating the technology in an applied context, with the aim of transforming it into a robust, useful solution that can be transferred to the market.
The project also includes the participation of researcher Tiago Baptista and close collaboration with the Innovation and Value Creation office at NOVA Medical School Office, which identified the innovation potential of this research at an early stage and will support the strategy for valorisation, protection of results, and engagement with potential users and partners.
ERC Proof of Concept grants are awarded exclusively to Principal Investigators who have previously received ERC funding and aim to support the valorisation, commercial innovation potential and social impact of research results funded by the European Research Council.