Vakgroep Menselijke fysiologie (MFYS)

Obesity and cardio-metabolic disease represent major health problems with vast impacts on the European healthcare systems. Recent advances in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine can be used to design novel techniques aiming to boost human metabolism; thus being promising candidates for human metabolic disease treatment. However, the development of these techniques requires the creation of new technology and knowledge in chemistry, biomaterials, toxicology, physiology, molecular biology as well as business management and marketing.

SCAFFY project will create an effective intersectoral co-operation between academia institutions and SMEs to advance the concept of bio-scaffold for brown adipose tissue (BAT) regeneration. BAT in mammals (including humans) functions to generate heat for the purpose of maintaining body temperature in cold environments via a process known as non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). Specifically, neurotransmitters released from the sympathetic nervous system bind to adrenergic receptor on the surface of brown adipocytes. This binding results in a cascade of events through which the energy contained in the free fatty acids is converted in uncoupling protein 1-heat production, instead of the synthesis of ATP. Thus, the energy expended for heat production during prolonged and consistent BAT activation may be sufficient enough to regulate body weight. Moreover, an increase of BAT mass can result in higher NST during cold exposure or as a response to specific chemical stimuli.

SCAFFY will put together knowledge, research expertise and resources from two large academic institutions with business, market and commercialization experience from three SMEs to: i) ensure a high degree of collaboration between academic and industrial partnership though Networking Activities, ii) go beyond the current state of the art though Researcher & Training Activities, iii) increase intersectoral transfer of knowledge though Workshop Activities, iv) ensure high level of innovation capacity though Innovation Activities, v) ensure communication to the scientific community and to the public though Dissemination and Outreach Activities.

Partners:

• Department of Human Physiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Coordinator) – Belgium
Expertise: Thermoregulation and animal research
• Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia – Italy
Expertise: 3D cell culture and in vitro testing
• Histocell – Spain
Expertise: Nanotechnology and tissue engineering
• Imedica S.A. – Romania
Expertise: Market analysis and pharmaceutical marketing
• Biomechanical Solutions – Greece
Expertise: Business strategies and clinical trials