Synthetic Gene Circuits
for Closed-Loop Therapy
Adaptive gene therapy that activates only when cells show early signs of disease.
Introducing SECURE
SECURE is a European research project developing a new generation of adaptive gene therapies. Unlike conventional gene therapies that remain permanently active, SECURE aims to create intelligent genetic systems that activate only in cells that enter a disease-related state.
By combining synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and human stem cell-based models, the project seeks to demonstrate a programmable, closed-loop therapeutic platform.
Many chronic diseases begin with subtle molecular changes long before symptoms appear. Current treatments typically intervene only after significant damage has occurred.
SECURE explores a new paradigm:
Detect early disease signals → Activate therapeutic response → Restore healthy cellular function.
What Makes SECURE Different
SECURE introduces a new paradigm in gene therapy by combining synthetic biology, artificial intelligence, and fully human validation systems.
Unlike conventional approaches, SECURE develops adaptive genetic systems that activate only in disease-state cells, enabling precise and controlled therapeutic responses.
This integrated approach enables a programmable, closed-loop therapy platform designed for next-generation precision medicine.
RNA-Based Molecular Sensing
SECURE uses engineered RNA switches to detect disease-associated gene expression directly inside individual cells, enabling highly specific activation.
AI-Guided Optimization
Artificial intelligence is used to design and optimize gene circuits, viral vectors, and promoters for improved specificity and efficiency.
Human Validation Models
The platform is validated using human-derived stem cell systems, including blood–brain barrier and brain organoid models.
Closed-Loop Therapeutic Logic
The gene circuits activate only when disease signals are detected and automatically regulate therapeutic responses to restore healthy cellular function.
Brain-Targeted Delivery
AI-designed viral vectors are optimized to cross the blood–brain barrier and deliver therapies directly to affected neurons.
How It Works
1. Sensing
Engineered RNA switches detect disease-associated gene expression inside individual cells.
2. Decision
The synthetic gene circuit activates only when specific molecular thresholds are met.
Adaptive Response
3. Action
A therapeutic gene is expressed to counteract disease-related pathways.
4. Feedback
Single-cell analysis verifies cellular state correction.
Targeting Neurodegenerative Diseases
The project uses Parkinson’s disease as its first proof-of-concept model, with long-term applicability to other neurodegenerative and genetically influenced disorders.
SECURE combines AI-guided gene circuit design, brain-targeted delivery, and human organoid validation to develop adaptive, closed-loop gene therapy systems.
Core Technology Pillars
Synthetic Gene Circuits
Programmable RNA-based regulatory systems that remain inactive in healthy cells and activate only in disease-state conditions.
Brain-Targeted Delivery
AI-designed viral vectors optimized to cross the blood–brain barrier and reach vulnerable neurons.
Human Validation Models
Patient-derived stem cell models replicating the human blood–brain barrier and midbrain tissue.
AI Integration
Machine learning approaches guide gene circuit design and optimize vector performance.
SECURE brings together leading experts across multiple disciplines to develop next-generation adaptive gene therapies.
The consortium combines expertise in:
• Synthetic virology
• Artificial intelligence and computational biology
• Human stem cell disease modelling
• Chemical biology and targeted delivery
• Translational innovation and IP strategy
Each partner contributes complementary capabilities across vector engineering, AI modelling, blood–brain barrier transport, organoid systems, and translational development.