Gating cell force sensors with tailor-made nanoswitches to restore tendon tissue function
| Title | Gating cell force sensors with tailor-made nanoswitches to restore tendon tissue function |
|---|---|
| Acronym | FORTIFy |
| Website | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101171765 |
| Start date | 2025-05-01 |
| End date | 2030-04-30 |
| Sponsor | European Research Council - Consolidator Grant (ERC-CoG) |
| Institution | International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory |
Associated cell lines
Project Description
Understanding tendon mechano-biology is vital for developing effective treatments. PIEZO channels play a key role in how tendons sense and adapt to mechanical loading. The main challenge is effectively targeting these sensors in tendon cells, as well as understanding the biological feedback from their activation. The ERC-funded FORTIFy project will create a wireless platform of customised nanoswitches to manipulate PIEZO receptors by integrating molecular imprinting technologies with magnetic systems. Utilising advanced humanised 3D microphysiological systems, it will investigate tendon microenvironments to enhance bioengineered tendon grafts. It will focus on the role of PIEZO-mediated mechano-signalling in tendon health and degeneration, emphasising neurotendinous interactions and their immunomodulatory effects. Successful outcomes could lead to novel nanomedicine tools for treating tendinopathy.