TINTIN was a pan-European, multi-disciplinary project aimed at training 12 PhD students in neuroscience research, with an emphasis on the basis of neurodegeneration,
neurotherapeutics development and neurorepair. The project was funded under the EU Framework 7. PhD candidates
were involved in advanced research training projects on metabolism and autophagy in neurons, induced pluripotent stem cells
and neurorepair systems. Parallel research
projects involved computational modelling of metabolism in the dopamine neuron and the in silico design of novel
therapeutics that are selectively transported into the
dopamine neuron. This fundamental training and research was merged with new cutting edge glycan based biomarker technologies,
drug simulation and computational/mathematical models of dopaminergic neurons. Each PhD candidate was seconded for
3–5 month period to a European industrial partner appropriate to their
research project, to obtain training in leading-edge technologies. Candidates were also being provided with training in
aspects of project management and commercial innovation.
The scientific and technological objectives of TINTIN use interdisciplinary approaches:
- To discover how autophagy in the dopamine neuron is related to lysosomal and mitochondrial
dysfunction.
- To discover how novel genetic mutations in glycolipid and ganglioside metabolism relate to
dopamine neuron degeneration.
- To utilize pluripotent stem cell technologies for studying dopaminergic neurodegeneration.
- To utilize computational and molecular design techniques to identify novel aspects of the
neurodegenerative processes that may be selected as therapeutic targets.
- To identify and validate novel glycan-based biomarkers for use in clinical trials.