Aim
The T-GATE project (2025-2027) aims to develop an in vitro human tanycyte barrier model for investigations of brain entry of neuropeptides as well as peptide therapeutics.
Approach
The team will create a baseline model using mouse tanycytes and transition to human stem cell-derived tanycytes for peptide transport in a system nearer human physiology. The team's in vitro barrier model enables high-throughput screening of barrier-penetrating compounds, offering a novel brain entry route for metabolic and CNS therapies. The expected outcome of the T-GATE project is to provide robust screening tools and open-access knowledge for broader drug discovery.
THE T-GATE TEAM
Academic team members
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Birger Brodin, Professor, University of Copenhagen,
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Vincent Prévot, Senior Research Director, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), France
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Lenka Maletínská, Group Leader, Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Czech Republi
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Morten Schallburg Nielsen, Professor, Aarhus University
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Agnete Kirkeby, Group Leader, University of Copenhagen
Industrial team member
- Anja Mosekjær Bengtsson, Gubra
T-GATE INDUSTRY PARTNER
Gubra is a contract research organisation (CRO) and biotech company specialized in preclinical contract research and peptide-based drug discovery within metabolic and fibrotic diseases. You can read more about Gubra via the link below.
"At Gubra, we are committed to advancing translational models for metabolic and CNS disorders, and this partnership provides a unique opportunity to develop high-impact, human-relevant in vitro systems.
The T-GATE collaboration through ODIN bridges academic innovation with industry expertise, accelerating the development of human-relevant models for CNS and metabolic disorders. At Gubra, we see this as a key opportunity to advance translational drug discovery and novel therapeutic strategies."
Anja Mosekjær Bengtsson, Gubra A/S,
"The T-GATE project is a unique opportunity to apply cutting-edge imaging technologies to unravel complex subcellular transport mechanisms at the tanycyte barrier.
By leveraging advanced microscopy and human stem cell modelling, we can visualize polarized peptide and drug transport in unprecedented detail. This collaboration combines world-class expertise in barrier biology, pharmacology, and imaging, making it a powerful platform for breakthrough discoveries in CNS drug delivery."
Morten Schallburg Nielsen, Professor, Aarhus University
ABOUT ODIN
ODIN brings researchers from academia and industry together to co-create need-driven research projects that can lead to new treatments, diagnostics, tools, and technologies. We fund the strongest project ideas through competitive funding calls. Companies cannot receive ODIN funding, but participation is free of charge and gives access to academic expertise, new collaborations, and opportunities to explore early-stage research challenges.
ODIN is supported by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Lundbeck Foundation.
CONTACT ODIN
You are welcome to contact us if you have questions or comments. Reach out to odin@au.dk.
Although the platform spans five Danish universities, we're based in Aarhus. Our office is located at Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 116, Bldg 1535-117.
