Seed Fund - Project Ideas

Description

Gliomas exhibit aggressive membrane-driven phenotypes that underpin therapy resistance, yet these remain under-explored due to siloed omics data. G_MEMBRAIIINE addresses this by computationally analyzing a significant size (think ~1-3TBs) of publicly available RNA-seq (bulk and single-cell), proteomics, lipidomics, and Raman spectroscopy datasets to decode plasma membrane biochemistry in gliomas. This is mostly a computational-only project that will make use of state-of-the-art public tools and techniques such as advanced Differential Gene Expression and AI-based perturbation prediction to gain and output an overview regarding glioma-related datasets. We intentionally seek to include datasets regarding spheroids and organoids related to gliomas as well.

Partners we are looking for

We are looking for a pro-active partner on data analysis so that both labs could analyze existing data to gain a better -omics and/or RAMAN overview of gliomas, organoids and spheroids. If your lab is RNA-seq / NGS sequencing capable that is even better. We currently have an initiative regarding AI-tool development that will definitely benefit from this project.

Participating institutions

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Contact

Sebastian Muraru, PhD., sebastian.muraru@umfcd.ro

Description:

Accurate evaluation of venous congestion is crucial in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility is an established noninvasive marker of intravascular volume, but suboptimal windows are common. Subclavian vein (SCV) imaging is emerging as a posibile alternative, but available data are sparse, and further studies are needed.

Beyond collapsibility indices, venous Doppler interrogation provides dynamic information regarding right atrial pressure and venous compliance. Hepatic vein Doppler is a validated marker of venous congestion; however, it may be technically challenging in some patients. Subclavian venous Doppler could serve as an accessible surrogate.

This study integrates venous ultrasound to evaluate their performance to predict decongestion at discharge.

Partners we are looking for:

We are looking for clinical partners who manage patients with heart failure, particularly centers that routinely evaluate congestion using clinical assessment, biomarkers, and imaging tools. Any institution involved in the diagnosis and management of acute or chronic heart failure could be an eligible collaborator.

Participating institutions:

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania. Additional clinical centers managing heart failure patients may join the project, depending on their interest and eligibility.

Contact:

Dr. Grigore Mihai, mihai.grigore@umfcd.ro

Description

NEUROMET explores the muscle–brain axis during GLP-1/GIP agonist therapy in non-diabetic adults with obesity. The study evaluates changes in lean mass, muscle function, mood instability, cognitive fatigue, HRV-based autonomic balance, and key neuroinflammatory markers. It also tests whether a simple intervention (Integrative Support Protocol) can preserve muscle and improve neuro-energetic wellbeing. The results will provide a mechanistic foundation for a future Horizon Europe project.

Partners we are looking for

I am looking for partners with expertise in skeletal muscle physiology, metabolic regulation, or biostatistical modelling who can contribute to methodology validation, data interpretation, and joint development of a future Horizon Europe proposal. Ideally, partners should have interest in bridging muscle metabolism with neuro-inflammatory pathways.

Participating institutions

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy / Soumanar Functional Medicine Institute

Contact

Simona Carniciu, simona.carniciu@umfcd.ro

Description:

HYPER-NET aims to strengthen hypertension management by creating an innovative, clinically integrated interdisciplinary network that connects family physicians, cardiologists, psychologists, genetic researchers, and data scientists across Alliance4Life institutions. The project addresses persistent gaps in hypertension control by combining three complementary dimensions: standardized psychological evaluation (stress, anxiety, depression, personality traits), targeted genotyping of stress- and hypertension-related variants, and real-world characterization of antihypertensive therapy, including polypharmacy and treatment resistance.

Through this multidimensional approach, HYPER-NET will identify psychological–genetic–clinical profiles associated with poor blood pressure control, enabling more precise risk stratification and personalized care pathways. The project also introduces harmonized tools, shared protocols, and data integration strategies that promote efficient collaboration between clinical and research teams.

By generating preliminary evidence and establishing a scalable collaborative model, HYPER-NET prepares a strong foundation for a future Horizon Europe proposal focused on innovative, person-centered cardiovascular care in Central and Eastern Europe.

Partners we are looking for:

We are looking for interdisciplinary partners with expertise in cardiovascular medicine, primary care, clinical psychology, genetic/biomarker research, and data analysis. Ideal partners should be interested in collaborative patient-centered research, share compatible clinical or laboratory infrastructures, and be willing to co-develop harmonized protocols, integrated datasets, and innovative approaches for improving hypertension management within Central and Eastern Europe.

Participating institutions:

University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania

Contact:

Lucia Bubulac, lucia.bubulac@umfcd.ro