The ERC’s “Proof of Concept” programme is designed to support principal investigators who are enjoying a previously awarded ERC grant. The purpose of the grant is to validate the idea that it was generated throughout the projects funded by the ERC. Grants of a maximum of €150,000 are offered for 18 months.
Claret previously won a “Consolidator Grant” from the ERC to explore the potential of mitochondria as sensors of the body’s energy needs. Therefore, this new grant follows up on previous studies to explore commercial exploitation of the results obtained.
Mitochondria as a target against obesity and diabetes
The project that Claret’s group will carry out with the support of this grant will test the regulation of the metabolism of mitochondria as a possible strategy to fight against obesity and ageing. Using a mouse model, this hypothesis will be evaluated to decipher its curative and preventive effect, especially on ageing markers, and to identify mediators of this impact that can be used as therapeutic targets.
This research could potentially improve millions of people’s quality of life, reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases and have significant economic effects. In planning the project, close cooperation with the knowledge transfer office has been arranged to facilitate implementation of the knowledge acquired.
