2025 Freiburg Training School

Joint GenE-HumDi COST Action and Medical Center – University of Freiburg Training School

September 9-11 2025 @ Center for Translational Cell Research (ZTZ). Breisacherstr. 115 – 79106 Freiburg – Germany

Applications and funding opportunities.

GenEHumDi courses are open to all EU members and Near Neighbour Countries, with a focus on promoting participation of Inclusiveness Target Countries.
All selected attendees will be enrolled in the course free of charge. However, the number of seats is limited to ensure interaction among trainers and trainees.
Additionally, a call is opened to provide funding for selected participants, to cover Travel costs and Daily Allowances, in accordance with the COST guidelines  https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2024/11/COST-094-21-V2.0-Annotated-Rules-for-COST-Actions-Level-C.pdf

Local Organizers

Dr. Claudio Mussolino & Dr. Maria Silvia Roman Azcona

Trainers

Dr Claudio Mussolino (Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany)
Dr Duško Lainšček (National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia)
Dr. Manuel Goncalves (Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands)
Dr. Hildegard Büning (Hannover Medical School, Germany),
Dr. Irina Nazarenko (Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Germany), Dr. Marcello Maresca (AstraZeneca, Sweden)

ProGRAM OutlINA

FULL PROGRAM AND INSTRUCTIONS

2025 Modena Summer School

Co-organised GenE-HumDi COST Action 21113 and UNIMORE Summer School

June 18-20 2025 @ TECNOPOLO UNIMORE. Via Pietro Vivarelli, 2 – 41125 Modena, Italy

Applications and funding opportunities.

GenEHumDi courses are open to all EU members and Near Neighbour Countries, with a focus on promoting participation of Inclusiveness Target Countries.
All selected attendees will be enrolled in the course free of charge. However, the number of seats is limited to ensure interaction among trainers and trainees.
Additionally, a call is opened to provide funding for selected participants, to cover Travel costs and Daily Allowances, in accordance with the COST guidelines  https://www.cost.eu/uploads/2024/11/COST-094-21-V2.0-Annotated-Rules-for-COST-Actions-Level-C.pdf

Important dates:

Applications should be submitted before May 10th.
Admitted trainees will be contacted starting on May 18th.

Local Organizers

Prof Laura De Rosa, Prof Alessandra Recchia, Prof Alessia Cavazza

Trainers

Dr Claudio Mussolino (University of Freiburg, Germany), Dr Giandomenico Turchiano (AstraZeneca, UK), Dr Antonio Carusillo (Alia Therapeutics, Italy), Prof Alessia Cavazza (UNIMORE, Italy; University College London, UK; Gene-HumDi COST Action co-chair)

Short Program

FULL PROGRAM AND INSTRUCTIONS

CRISPRMED25 WORKSHOP CALL

🌟 Call for attendees to the CRISPRMED25 Workshops! 🌟

Dear GenE-HumDi Members,

We support early career and young researchers in the field of therapeutic Gene Editing. For this reason, we are very excited to announce that we will be supporting selected young members attending the CRISPRMED25 Conference and enrolled in the CRISPRMED25 Workshops, co-organized by GenE-HumDi (COST action CA21113) and CRISPR MEDICINE NEWS (CRISPRMED). as part of the CRISPRMED25 Conference.

📌 Workshop Topics:

  • CRIPRMED25 Workshops:
    • Tools: Choosing the Right Gene-Editing Approach
    • Delivery: Navigating the CRISPR Delivery Landscape
    • Safety: Pre-Clinical Safety Analyses

💶 Financial Aid Includes:

  • Long-distance travel support to/from the venue*
  • Daily allowance for the workshop*

📝 How to Apply:
Interested attendees must apply soon:

  1. Send an email to the Grant Holder Manager (raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es) indicating the state of your application for the workshop and providing your chosen topic.
  2. Include in the email a letter of interest, of no more than 1,000 words addressed to the Grant Award Coordinator. Please include:
    • A contact e-mail address if different from your COST contact.
    • Your current position
    • Whether you are an active member in any GeneHumdi WG
    • List your contributions to GeneHumdi initiatives (meetings, white papers, peer-reviewed papers, etc, …)
    • How does your work/research/interest align with the workshop topics?
    • How attending will benefit their current position or future perspectives?

📅 Deadline: March 27th
Applications must be submitted by this date to allow the resolution of grants before April. Active young members will be given priority, and applicants shortlisted by the Grant Award Coordinator will be notified shortly after.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and network with experts in the field!

For questions or to submit your application, contact the Grant Holder Manager at raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es.

We look forward to your applications!

Best regards,
The GenE-HumDi Team

GenE-HumDi Second Period in perspective

Two years ago, COST Action CA21113 was given green light and we started this adventure of seeking for members willing to help us build an European network aiming to make Genome Editing for the treatment of Human Disease a reality.

We have now reach half of the action’s lifespan and is a great moment to reflect on the achievements and contribution of the academic and industry researchers, Advance Medicine technicians and engineers, Healthcare professionals, Scientific Divulgators, Regulatory and patient advocacy groups.

We are very proud of the hard work of volunteers, and the commitment of young talent to help GeneHumdi initiatives.

Today we wanted to compile some of the recent achievements in this post entry, to pay tribute to the good work of the volunteer members. During this 2 years we had to rethink our structure and embrace in a single WG the interest of industry a regulatory actors, leaving the action with the following structure:

  • WG2 – Improvement of GE technology
  • WG3 – Delivery Strategies
  • WG4 – Safety issues: Monitoring and standardization
  • WG5 – Translation into the clinic
  • WG6 – Technology transfer and industry / Regulatory issues
  • WG7 – Dissemination

This structure is helping both advancing within the focused scope of the WG and also nurturing collaborative works that materialized the following COST Action achievements:

Genome Editing tools Reference Document
GeneHumdi consensual hand-book on cells types where further improvements are required to achieve efficient and specific GE.

This has been expanded to the realization of actual Training Schools to instruct younger scientist and future industry leaders into the use of genome editing tools

Standardized procedure protocols for the determination of off-target for experimental use in preclinical and clinical studies

Fruit of interactions between members from different Working Group members, GenE-HumDi COST action is nourishing collaborative works, and the Scientific articles produced by Members are Proof:

Summary of the SEcond Period General Meeting held in Limassol , Cypryus

During our second general meeting we engaged EU genome editing leaders in Limassol in a collaborative meeting . This Meeting was instrumental for the materialization of collaborations that are yielding scientific revision on genome editing and to promote the capabilities of young researchers in our network.

Guidelines and reflections concerning regulatory aspects of new gene editing tools

Technology transfer, industry and regulatory issues working group, leaded by Carsten Lederer, have recently shared a great reference document elaborated by WG6 members. The Full text is openly available.

Strategic Dissemination Plan

Originally drafted by the action SCC, Fco. Javier Molina, and former WG7 leader, Luís Montoliu. And approved by MC members, the plan describes the methods and protocols for the liaison between networks members, working groups and external stakeholders.

Booklet summarizing all the main conference of each WG during the half-life of the action

This a great moment in the Actions life to reckon on the progress of the network activity. We have elaborated a proceeding booklet summarizing all the main conference of each WG during the half life of the action. This detailed summary of the WG records is helping us to learn from the many successes achieved and identify areas that will need further attention in the upcoming years of the network

Summary of state of the art concerns and opportunities for Genome Editing in the Medical Field.

During our Kick-off Meeting we manage to gather European leaders. Our call is still open to all different gears involved in the research, translation, experimental medical application, medical approval and healthcare access and patient advocacy. But our scope is fixed in making Genome editing technologies an actual medical option.

FINAL PROGRAM

Updated on 2024.10.09
Dr. Karim Benabdellah
Dr. Fco Javier Molina Estevez
GHM: Raquel Soriano e mail: raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

Coupling Genome Editing Tools with Delivery Systems

Genome editing tools and their delivery systems are advancing quickly, but they rely on each other to improve genome editing methods. This meeting will showcase the latest developments in both areas and foster connections and collaborations among scientists to boost the effectiveness of their research projects.

This is open event organized by Genome Editing for the treatment of Human Disease ( GeneHumdi| COST action 21113). A network committed to foster therapeutic genome editing therapeutic by nourishing collaborative networks and promoting early career scientist and industry engagement with the field. In this Workshop we will:

  • 1. Identify and evaluate the existing endonuclease-independent platforms (EIP) and their potential uses in various applications.
  • 2. Identify and evaluate the existing endonuclease-dependent platforms and their potential uses in various applications.
  • 3. Create a comprehensive overview of the current delivery methods used for genome editing (GE) in various cell types for clinical applications.
  • 4. Create a comprehensive overview of the current delivery methods used for in vivo genome editing (GE) in different animal models and clinical environments

This workshop is made possible thanks to a collaboration of GenE-Humdi and IDIBELL. We are thrilled to announce that several field leaders are now confirmed speakers:

  • Dr. Marc Güell (Pompeu Fabra University, Spain)
  • Dr. Vittoria. Raffa (Associate Professor in Molecular Biology, Ph.D. in Nanotechnology, M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Italy)
  • Dr.  Giedrius Gasiunas (Caszyme, Lithuania)
  • Dr. Peng Ling (Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille, France)
  • Dr. Julian Cerón Madrigal (Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Spain)
  • Dr. Karen O´Hanlon Cohrt (CRISPR Medicine News, Denmark)
  • Dr. Alessia Cavazza (UCL, UK)
  • Dr. Fco Javier Molina Estévez (GENyO, Spain)
  • Dr. Laura Batlle Morera (CRG, Barcelona)
  • Dr. Benabdellah Karim (GENyO, Spain)
  • Dr. Gloria Gonzalez Aseguinolaza (DNA & RNA Medicine Division, Gene Therapy for Rare Diseases Department, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, IdisNA, Spain).
  • Dr. Cecilia Jiménez-Mallebrera (Neuromuscular Unit. Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Deu. Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, Spain).
  • Dr. Mariana Köber (Biomedical Research Network on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain)
  • Dr. Carles J. Ciudad (Universitat de Barcelona, Spain)
  • Dr. Jan Gorodkin (Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.).

Venue:
Residencia de Investigadores del CSIC

Carrer de l’Hospital, 64, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona


Two Days Packed with Science:
Thursday October 3rd ( 2:00 pm to 8 pm ) and Friday October 4th (9:00 am to 15 pm), 2024.

Free attendance:
Registration is needed as space is limited to maximize networking. Signature control will be required and assistance certificates will be available upon request.

To register as attendee or presenter, fill the form and send it to GeneHumdi Grant Holder Manager (raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es)Before September 15th!

FINAL PROGRAM

Organizing committee and contacts:
Dr. Julian Cerón Madrigal
Dr. Francisco Martin Molina
Dr. Karim Benabdellah
Dr. Fco Javier Molina Estevez
GHM: Raquel Soriano e mail: raquel.soriano@juntadeandalucia.es

STSM Connecting Beyond Boundaries!

Excitement is building, and we’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking moment in the history of our network – the first-ever Virtual Sharing Knowledge from our STSMs Grantees Online Premiere Event!

📅 Date: 19/12/2023 | ⏰ 09.00 CET

In a world where connections matter more than ever, we’re transcending boundaries and bringing our global community together in a virtual space. Join us for an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of unity, innovation, and shared passions.

What to Expect:

🌟 Keynote Speakers: Our STSMs Grantees! Marcelina Abal Sanisidro, Paula García, Iris Ramos, Rotem Shachal, Khalid SADKI and Maria Stampa.

🎉 Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow members, forge new alliances, and strengthen existing relationships. 

Why Attend:

🌐 Global Reach: Break down geographical barriers and connect with COST Action CA21113 GenE-Humdi enthusiasts from around the world. 

🤝 Community Building: Forge meaningful connections that extend beyond the event, creating a network that lasts a lifetime. 

📱 Virtual Platform: MS Teams!

Click here to join the meeting

This event is a celebration of our shared vision and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready for an experience that will shape the future of our network!

AGENDA

9.00: Opening
9.10: Dr. Annarita Miccio, Institute of genetic diseases Imagine, INSERM UMR1163. “Laboratory of Chromatin and gene regulation during development”
9.20: Marcelina Abal Sanisidro, “LNP delivery in human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells”
9.45: Dr. Karim Benabdel Lah El Khlanji, Fundación Pública Progreso y Salud (FPS). Pfizer -Universidad de Granada – Junta de Andalucía Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO)
9.55: Dr. Khalid Sadki, “Enhancing Immunotherapy and Genetic Technologies in Morocco through International Collaboration and Training”
10.20: Dr. Alberto Malerba, Royal Holloway, Un&vers&ty of London
10.30: Maria Stampa “Coating of the therapeut&c adeno-associated viral vectors for effective gene therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy”
10.55: Dr. Dimitrios Laurin Wagner, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
11.05: Rotem Schashal, “CRISPR Knock-In of TCRs to target res&stant pathogens”
11.30: Dr. Manuel A.F.V. Gonçalves, Leiden University Medical Centre/Department
11.40: Iris Ramos, “Harnessing CX3CR1 Intron 4 Knock-In: A Novel Endogenous Protective Regulation for Expression Cassette during Stem Stages in HSPC”
12.05: Dr. Yonglun Luo, Department of Biomedicine of Aarhus University
12.15: Paula Garcia, “Optimization of non-viral delivery methods: in vitro efficiency determination of gene-editing lipid nanoparticles.”
12.40: Closing Remarks

GeneHumdi Empowering Education

Aarhus University Summer Course Completes Two Weeks of Intensive CRISPR/Cas9 Teaching

GeneHumdi in collaboration with Aarhus University (AU) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of a magnificent two-week summer course: Genetic Engineering using CRISPR/Cas. This initiative coordinated by Rasmus O. Bak provides a comprehensive program supporting transformative learning experiences for 34 students who hailed from a diverse array of educational backgrounds and where 14 different nations were represented. The course took participants on a deep dive into the world of CRISPR/Cas, equipping them with invaluable insights and skills that will undoubtedly shape their academic and professional journeys.

This summer course has been previously featured in the AU summer agenda, but this is the first time that GeneHumdi has partnered with the prestigious Aarhus University to promote the education of students interested in Medical Genome Editing applications.

Throughout the course, participants were guided through a series of learning objectives designed to foster a robust understanding of the CRISPR/Cas technique and its broad applications. Students delved into the core principles that underpin CRISPR/Cas technology, gaining a solid foundation in its mechanisms and potential, and were offered with a comprehensive overview of CRISPR/Cas technology’s current status and its relevance within the dynamic landscape of biomedical research. Participants gained insights into its potential to revolutionize various fields within healthcare and scientific discovery. Participants were equipped with the ability to critically evaluate and select relevant parameters for gene editing projects. This encompassed the selection of appropriate CRISPR platforms, cell types, delivery methods, and vector design strategies.

This course nurtured their skills to discern and interpret outcomes from diverse assays used to quantify both on- and off-target gene editing. This analytical competency is crucial for ensuring accurate and effective gene editing outcomes. Later, attendants were encouraged to independently conceptualize and execute CRISPR/Cas gene editing projects. This practical experience empowered them to translate theory into real-world applications.

The course pomotes enabling students to navigate and analyze original literature within the CRISPR/Cas field. This skill not only strengthens their understanding but also allows them to formulate pertinent research hypotheses based on current scientific discourse. The participants’ diverse educational backgrounds encompassed fields ranging from Medicine, Molecular Medicine, and Biotechnology, to Nanoscience, Dentistry, Biology, and Bioinformatics. This rich blend of perspectives and expertise enriched the course’s collaborative learning environment.

The GeneHumdi organization joins local organizing extending their sincere gratitude to its dedicated team members – Sofie, Kasper, Sujan, Simon, and Sabina – whose invaluable support greatly enhanced the exercises and group projects. Special recognition is also extended to Emil and Sarah for their engaging lectures that deepened participants’ grasp of the subject matter.

This year AU’s Summer Course was made even more impactful through collaboration with the EU COST network in Genome Editing for the treatment of humans diseases, GeneHumdi | COST action CA21113. This COST Action funded travel scholarships for nine deserving students, exemplifying the commitment to democratizing access to cutting-edge education in Europe.

The involvement of the COST network also facilitated the incorporation of lectures by esteemed international gene editing experts. The AU Summer University extends its sincere appreciation to the following COST members for their contributions to nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders:

The collaboration with the COST network proved instrumental in enhancing the course’s impact, enabling the inclusion of lectures delivered by international gene editing experts, members of GeneHumdi. They brought their knowledge and experience to the AU Summer University’s platform, enriching the learning experience for the participating students, and increasing the multicultural experience. Notable lectures and discussion were held by Yonglun Luo (Alun) from Denmark, Anna Cereseto from Italy, Julian Grünewald from Germany, Ayal Hendel from Israel, Raul Torres, Javier Molina Estévez from Spain, and Karim Benabdellah (the later three from Spain). Their contributions are an embodiment of the commitment to fostering the growth of the next generation of scientific leaders.

This Aarhus University partnership with the COST network underscores it’s dedication to providing a global and collaborative educational experience. By bringing together accomplished professionals and emerging talents, this initiative contributes to the advancement of knowledge and the cultivation of a dynamic scientific community that transcends geographical boundaries.

GeneHumdi is a pioneering European initiative, highlights the commitment to harnessing Genome Editing for Clinical Practice. By uniting professionals from basic science to end-point healthcare, the initiative aims to harmonize introduction and implementation of genome editing practices, helping to better understand their scientific basis, practical application, and raise awareness about their potential to rectify disease-causing genes.

For further information about the Aarhus Summer University and its transformative CRISPR/Cas summer course, please reach out to Rasmus O. Bak. at Aarhus University or Javier Molina at GeneHumdi.

GeneHumdi reaches Scientist at the Biannual SETGyC Meeting

The Spanish Gene and Cell Therapy Society (SETGyC) is a sound and long running organization comprising dedicated Spanish researchers committed to the research and development of gene transfer and cell modification for clinical purposes. The SETGyC maintains strong connections with industrial and regulatory partners. The society embraces a collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with the principles of our GeneHumdi initiative. In a heartfelt open letter, the current President of SETGyC, Ander Izeta, emphasizes that “the foundation of cutting-edge medical advancements lies in the utilization of novel therapeutic tools such as gene therapy and genome editing for the treatment of genetic disorders.” Reflecting the shared valued of this institution with our owns.

This year, Pamplona will host over a hundred leading gene therapy scientists, including renowned key speakers. Tony Cathomen , Felipe Prosper, Ignacio Melero, Paula Rio , Juan Bueren and Raúl Torres to name a few of the the forefront of gene therapy and genome editing for therapeutic purposes in Europe that are presenting in this meeting.

To promote the Action’s mission dr. K. Benabdel lah has been awarded a grant by the GeneHumdi Management Committee to facilitate the dissemination and presentation of the Genome Editing for the treatment of Human disease (GeneHumdi | COST action CA21113) during the Bi-annual Meeting of the Spanish Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. This grant aims to support Dr. Benabdel lah in showcasing the remarkable achievements and advancements of the GeneHumdi initiative to all attendees at the conference.

During his speech in the inaugural session, Karim Benabdellah had the opportunity to present the ambitious plan of GeneHumdi. He graciously extended an invitation to early-career professionals and students to join the initiative, recognizing that nurturing relationships and fostering communication and collaboration with specialists from across Europe is a crucial initial step.

Furthermore, reinforcing the presence of GeneHumdi and to reach young scientist at the SETGyC meeting, the GeneHumdi initiative has a dedicated sign-in stand, where our extraordinaire Grand Holder Coordinator, Maria J. Bazuelo, is actively engaging with prospective Action Members. She is sharing our values and her insight into the mission of the initiative and highlighting the remarkable opportunities that come with being part of this transformative action.

First GeneHumdi papers are out!

The first wave of scientific articles produced thanks to interactions within our GeneHumdi network is out

The GeneHumdi Network aims to pave pathways between the key stages for medical development: basic and translational research, development, production, and healthcare providers and regulators to secure that patients really benefit to the use Gene Editing approaches able to change the actual fate of many diseases.

The goal is ambitious and the first step is to nurture relationships to promote communication and unification of criteria among specialist all over Europe. In this regard, the past March the network held a in person meeting in Granada (Spain) to favor interactions between the members. We are please to witness that this interactions are starting to fruit in the form of joint scientific articles.

Cartoon illustrating gene editing techniques commonly used in academic research. In this example, engineered nucleases are employed to make targeted cuts at specific sequences in the chromosomal DNA. These cuts allow researchers or clinicians to introduce desired changes or reverse disease-causing mutations. Image courtesy of K. Benabdellah, adapted “High-Density Lipoprotein in Metabolic Disorders and Beyond: An Exciting NewWorld Full of Challenges and Opportunities

The first article fruit of the GeneHumdi network funded by the COST (European Coordination in Science and Technology) appeared in April, shortly after the first Action Meeting. It as a review “The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML” focused on Chimeric Antigen Receptor T (CAR T) lymphocytes used in innovative therapies.

In the review the authors tackle the fact that researchers have struggled to make progress in adoptive cellular therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared to B cell cancers. Trials using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have shown limited response rates and side effects. New approaches are needed.

Graphical Abstract of the review: “The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML

Authors discuss the challenges of CAR T cells and other therapies in AML. The genetic and molecular diversity in AML makes treatment complex. Single-cell sequencing data provided insights into cellular variations and hierarchies in AML. While promising strategies include advanced CAR T, TCR-T, and CAR NK therapies, personalized microenvironment targeting, and allogeneic approaches, efforts continue to enhance adoptive cellular therapies for AML by understanding its complexities and exploring innovative strategies.

Two GeneHumdi Action members collaborated to write this review: Erden Atilla (GENyO center, Spain) and Karim Benabdel lah (GENyO center, Spain) were opening the door for many more join articles from the network.

In May this year, a second article from signed from members of the GeneHumdi Network was published in Frontiers of Immunology under the title “Failure of ALL recognition by CAR T cells: a review of CD 19- negative relapses after anti-CD 19 CAR-T treatment in B-ALL”.

In this review the authors address the use of CAR-T cell therapy, which has greatly improved the outlook for patients with refractory or relapsed B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), a condition with a poor prognosis under conventional treatment. With anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, the chances of event-free survival for these patients have significantly increased to 50-60% at 1.5 years, which is a significant advancement for this severely ill group. While over 70 % patients achieve complete remission (They defeat the blood cancer until the point is not clinically detectable), the main challenge remains the relapse of the disease (the comeback of tiny amounts of cancer cells that survived and escape detection in the first place and reproduce the disease). Both clinical trials and real-world evidence have shown that relapses often occur due to the limited expansion or persistence of CAR-T cells. Surprisingly, even when CAR-T cells are functioning adequately, some tumor cells manage to evade their attack, resulting in a relapse without the CD19 antigen.

The text highlights various mechanisms that contribute to the escape of leukemic cells, including acquired mutations, alternative splicing of the CD19 antigen, loss or masking of the CD19 epitope, leukemia lineage switching, and trogocytosis (this last is when a cell nibbles another cell). In this comprehensive review, authors analyze these mechanisms, examine the incidence of CD19-negative relapse in clinical trials and real-world evidence, and provide an update on the current understanding of the situation.

The review is signed by several GeneHumdi authors in a thrilling collaboration between Clinicians and academic to help promote the actions values: Maria Dolores Carmona(IMIBIC Institute, Spain), Karim Benabdel lah (GENyO center, Spain) and Concha Herrera (Reina Sofía University Hospital, Spain).

Last but not least, the first international publication nurtured from GeneHumdi Network interactions highlight the need to apply Gene Editing for treatment of Humans diseases.

The review “High-Density Lipoprotein in Metabolic Disorders and Beyond: An Exciting NewWorld Full of Challenges and Opportunities” signed by  2 Members of the Action: Karim Benabdellah and Kyriakos E. Kypreos.

In this paper they review te role of  High-density lipoprotein (HDL), a type of fat and protein in the blood that helps remove excess cholesterol. It also plays a role in metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Low levels of HDL and dysfunctional HDL are found in certain cancers. Adjusting HDL levels and improving its function can benefit these conditions. Previous attempts to raise HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) through medications were not successful, and new clinical trials are needed. Gene editing technology may revolutionize treatment by improving dysfunctional HDL.

These articles are proof that Gene Editing for the treatment of humans Editing Network is set in motion and already having an impact promoting bounds among Academic and Clinical peers. We expect more articles to be produce to help unify scatter information regarding the Genome Tools and strategies available to help treat Human disease as the action further promotes dialogue and unification between peers and among the different actors and agencies involved in new medicines discovery, development, authorization and manufacture.

Gene Editing for the treatment of Humans Diseases (GeneHumdi | CA21113) is funded by the EU through Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST)
Granada , 2023

References:

(1) Atilla, E.; Benabdellah, K. The Black Hole: CAR T Cell Therapy in AML. Cancers 2023, 15, 2713. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15102713

(2) Zvintzou, Evangelia, Eva Xepapadaki, George Skroubis, Victoria Mparnia, Katerina Giannatou, Karim Benabdellah, and Kyriakos E. Kypreos. 2023. “High-Density Lipoprotein in Metabolic Disorders and Beyond: An Exciting New World Full of Challenges and Opportunities” Pharmaceuticals 16, no. 6: 855. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16060855

(3) Aparicio-Pérez C, Carmona M, Benabdellah K and Herrera C (2023) Failure of ALL recognition by CAR T cells: a review of CD 19-negative relapses after anti-CD 19 CAR-T treatment in B-ALL. Front. Immunol. 14:1165870. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165870

GenE-Humdi CA21113 COST Action Launches First Call for Inclusive Target Countries Conference Grants

The Genome Editing to Treat Humans Diseases (GeneHumdi | COST Action CA21113) has launched its first call for Inclusive Target Countries Conference Grants (CGs). The aim of these grants is to encourage the participation of young members from Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) and Near Neighbour Countries (NNCs) in the activities related to GenE-Humdi COST Action purpose and to improve the quality of scientific research and training in these regions. PhD students, young researchers, and innovators under the age of 40 who are affiliated with an institution located in an ITC country are eligible to apply for the grant.

Individuals attending an in-person conference could receive up to €2000. The Grant Awarding Committee of the Action will assess each application based on the conference’s context, sessions, scientific topics and relevance, and contribution to the Action’s strategic priorities and objectives. The ITC Conference Grants of this first call will be available within the first Grant Period of the Action, i.e., by 31 October 2023.

Applicants need to have an e-COST profile as all applications must be processed through the e-COST online management tool. The deadline for the first round of applications is May 28th for applicants willing to assist to events starting after June 15th, and a second round´s deadline is June 25th for events starting after July 22th. The ITC CGs committee will review all applications, and the evaluation of applications will take about two weeks. The committee reserves the right to grant an amount that is less than the requested sum. The successful applicant will receive a Grant Letter that specifies the approved amount and the conditions that must be met to receive the grant.

GeneHumdi participates and promotes several Genome Editing related events, please refer to the grant bases, for suggested events. After the event, the grantee must submit required reports and relevant documentation in e-COST within 30 days after the end date of the activity or 15 days after the end of the Grant Period. The grantee must report the outcome of the presentation of the accepted contribution, the certificate of attendance, and the program of the conference or book of abstracts/proceedings indicating the presentation, following the indications in the grant announce bases.

For additional information on the submission process, applicants may refer to the reference document here For more information on GenE-Humdi, please visit the official webpage. If you have any questions or inquiries, please contact:

New Funding Opportunity for Young ITC scientist