Objective "Air pollution exposure, in particular the particulate matter (PM) component, has been consistently linked to an increased risk of developing acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The SPHERE (""Susceptibility to Particle Health Effects, miRNAs and Exosomes"") project was granted by ERC-2011-StG 282413 and hosted by the “Università degli Studi”, Milan, Italy, to examine possible molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of PM exposure in relation to health outcomes. In this project, in particular, we investigated the role exerted by extracellular vesicles (EV) and their miRNA cargo in mediating the cardiovascular effects of PM exposure. EVs might be the ideal candidate to mediate the effects of PM, since they could be potentially produced by the respiratory system, reach the systemic circulation and lead to the development of cardiovascular effects. In the SPHERE study, we confirmed in a population of obese subjects that PM is able to stimulate EV release in plasma and we were able to identify a EV-specific miRNA signature, responsive to PM exposure. One of the most important gaps in our current knowledge regarding PM-related cardiovascular health effects is the identification of susceptible subjects. This identification would provide the groundwork for the development of prevention strategies and of targeted treatments. The Proof of Concept project VERA (Extracellular VEsicles, miRNAs and particulate Air pollution: developing a new tool to identify subjects with high exposure-associated cardiovascular risk) aims to confirm the commercial and technological feasibility of a tool for testing EV-specific miRNA expression, in order to identify subjects with an higher susceptibility to PM. We propose scientific activities which will validate the project SPHERE findings, extend them to the general population, will use in -vitro experiments and will support the development of a commercial kit aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular risk related to PM exposure." Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicinepneumologynatural sciencesbiological sciencescell biologyengineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineeringmedical and health sciencesclinical medicinecardiologycardiovascular diseasesnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesenvironmental sciencespollution Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-2017-PoC - ERC-Proof of Concept Call for proposal ERC-2017-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Host institution UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO Net EU contribution € 149 939,00 Address Via Festa Del Perdono 7 20122 Milano Italy See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 939,00 Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI MILANO Italy Net EU contribution € 149 939,00 Address Via Festa Del Perdono 7 20122 Milano See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Total cost € 149 939,00