Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease

Today, vision impairment up to total blindness represents an increasing global problem with significant social and economic impact upon affected patients and society as a whole. Despite the advancing of knowledge on their genetic basis, there is no effective cure for retinal diseases (RD) to date and therefore there is an urgent need to fill this gap.

The present DN “Targeting RNA as an approach for treating retinal disease” (RETORNA) aims to treat RD by using RNA therapy. Among the research objectives, we will study different types of RNA that are expressed in retinal cells. By observing bioinformatic models, cell and tissue cultures, animal models, and human patients, we will be able to create RNA profiles for different RD. This screening will identify several targets that will be used as therapeutic approaches. Then, selected RNAs will be used to treat different RD, such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Furthermore, the potential economic and social impact of such strategies upon European countries will be studied, and the possibility of commercialization will be assessed.

RETORNA proposes breakthrough research, distributed in 10 individual projects, performed by 10 Doctoral Candidates (DCs). Some of the most highly qualified European scientists of the field will supervise those DCs, who will be awarded with a PhD at the end of the program. Moreover, DCs will be provided with different transferable skills, necessary for starting successful careers in academia, but also in other areas: industry, public organizations, non-profit organizations, consultancy, etc.

The RETORNA consortium consists of 8 beneficiaries, including 7 Universities and 1 Research Institute. The consortium will be managed by 5 different boards (research, managing, training, communication, and quality), all of them in continuous communication with the coordinator and with the general assembly.