Three Vidi grants and an Open Technology Program for researchers Radboudumc Research into ADHD, sugars, sports and depression and RNA therapy for endometriosis

The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded Martine Hoogman, Anna Marneth and Janna Vrijsen of Radboudumc with Vidi funding of up to 800,000 euros. This will allow them to develop their own innovative research and set up a research group over the next five years. Seven researchers from Radboud University were also awarded a Vidi. In NWO's Open Technology Program, Roland Brock received funding to develop an RNA-based therapy for endometriosis, the most frequent gynecological condition that can result in severe pain and infertility.

Martine Hoogman - Strengths in ADHD: Looking at it from a different angle

People with ADHD also experience positive aspects of ADHD, but before these aspects can be used at school and work or in clinical care, we need to learn much more about them, because our current understanding is limited. In this project we will investigate: 1. How others (e.g. teachers, employers) see strengths in ADHD to go beyond the self-reported strengths in ADHD, 2. Which neurobiological factors are related to these strengths, and 3. How environmental factors play a role in strengths in ADHD. The outcomes will contribute to a more balanced picture of ADHD, facilitating a more inclusive approach to ADHD.

Anna Marneth - Using sugars for blood cell transfusions and treatment of blood cancer

Sugars are indispensable for the cells in our blood. Sugars do not only provide energy to cells, but also play an important role in receiving growth signals. This project will elucidate how sugars can be used to stimulate growth of blood cells in the laboratory, for transfusion purposes. Additionally, it will show whether reduction of specific sugars inhibits the growth of blood cancer cells.

Janna Vrijsen - Strengthening depression treatment through exercise

Depression is a prevalent and severe mental illness. The most established psychological interventions are only effective for 40% of patients. Combining two treatments may enhance outcomes. Although effective, adding antidepressant medication to psychotherapy is costly and does not always map on to patient’s preferences. Exercise has emerged as a viable alternative augmentation strategy, yet questions about how, when, and for whom remain unanswered? The researchers will test how exercise enhances the effect of psychotherapy to help more depressed patients. They aim to provide insight into how exercise improves mood as well as the learning of new skills during psychotherapy sessions.

Here more information about Radboud University's seven Vidi’s.

Open Technology Program

The Open Technology Program provides funding for excellent research, with potential application of the results. The program offers companies and other organizations an accessible route to join scientific research that should lead to applicable knowledge.

Roland Brock - Hybrid protein-lipid nanoparticles for targeted oligonucleotide delivery in endometriosis (HYPNODE)

Messenger RNA-based Covid-19 vaccines are an impressive demonstration of the medical potential of RNAs. However, to take full benefit of RNAs as therapeutics, delivery systems are required that effectively direct the RNAs to their intended site of action in the body AND yield release once inside a cell. Unlike viruses, most current drug delivery vehicles poorly master targeting and release. In this project, we will develop RNA delivery vehicles that mimic the mechanisms of viruses. These particles will be used to treat inflammation in endometriosis, a common gynaecological disorder.

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