Welcome to the next edition of our “GENEGUT: Behind the Scenes” series — where we spotlight the passionate teams driving innovation across the GENEGUT project. Today, we introduce i3S – Institute of Science and Innovation in Health, based in Porto, Portugal.
Who They Are
i3S is a leading Portuguese research center in Porto, focusing on cancer, infection, immunity, regeneration, neurobiology, and neurologic disorders. It combines basic, applied, and translational research to address pressing health challenges. i3S units diverse expertise from multiple research institutes, university faculties, and hospitals, fostering groundbreaking research and accelerating the translation of discoveries into clinical applications.
What They Do in GENEGUT
I3S, particularly the Nanomedicine and Translation Drug Delivery Group (NTDD) brings expertise in disease-relevant 3D multicellular models and the development of nanomedicines for metabolic, inflammatory and infections disorders, and cancer. In the GENEGUT project, i3S/NTDD is responsible for the development of the 3D model of the intestine, resembling key features of ileal CD for efficacy screening of GENEGUT targets.
Why GENEGUT Matters
“Collaborating with multiple laboratories and researchers across Europe to learn, share knowledge and enhance technical skills, leading research efforts in Crohn’s disease treatment.”
The Future Impact of GENEGUT
“Advanced knowledge in the field, with a primary focus on proposing a novel therapeutic approach that can lead to real improvements in patients’ lives.”
Key Insights and Learnings
“Scientific discussions and exchanged insights deepen our understanding of the disease and enhance our ability to better mimic it in vitro, driving the development of increasingly advanced and relevant biological models. This not only makes our work more precise and rigorous but also motivates us to pursue our common goal—developing a more effective treatment for Crohn’s disease”
Publications
Establishment of a 3D multi-layered in vitro model of inflammatory bowel disease
What Sets GENEGUT Apart
“The scientific quality and multidisciplinary expertise of the involved partners, combined with a well-designed project and a workflow that fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange among partners.”
Three Words That Describe GENEGUT
Collaboration, Innovation, Science advancement
Fun Fact
“Setting up our 3D models is a full-day endeavour that requires resilience and passion! On those days, we feel like little ants, all working together toward a common goal!”
UK participants in Horizon Europe Project GENEGUT are supported by UKRI grant number 10042451 (Bangor University).