The multi-disciplinary training network MENTOR focuses on the mTOR (mammalian/mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin) network, a central signaling hub that integrates nutritional cues and controls cell growth and metabolism. Aberrant mTOR activity underlies a wide range of pathologies, including age-related diseases with high incidence such as cancer, obesity, and diabetes as well as rare genetic conditions, termed mTORopathies, characterized by tumor formation, polycystic kidneys and brain manifestations (Fig. 1). New mechanistic insights into mTORopathies will improve treatment for people living with rare conditions by strategies of personalized medicine and will open new therapeutic avenues for severe age-related pathologies.
MENTOR will train a total of 18 researchers at Graduate Schools of biology (FTELE, UniFR, UKESSEN, UPCité, FORTH, ICM, CNIO, IIMCB, Mimetas), pharmacy and chemistry (EKUT, Unibas, PDvalue), or medicine (UMCU, KUL) to jointly learn and work in a highly synergistic, innovative and interdisciplinary fashion. MENTOR researchers will be empowered by collaborative research and teaching across the disciplines of growth biology, metabolic biochemistry, systems modelling, medicinal chemistry, nutritional/pharmaceutical development, and clinical interventions.
Figure 1: Scheme of the mTOR network as well as manifestations of monogenic diseases and related gene variants. Positive (green) and negative (orange) growth regulators.
HME: hemimegalencephaly.
The MENTOR project is managed through a structured governance system designed to ensure strategic oversight, scientific excellence, and effective day-to-day management. It comprises the Supervisory Board, Executive Board, Scientific Advisory Board, and supporting committees.
Supervisory Board (SB)
The SB is the main governing body of MENTOR, overseeing strategic direction and project execution. It includes:
The SB monitors project progress and provides guidance on overall strategy.
Executive Board (EB)
The EB handles the day-to-day management of MENTOR and reports to the SB. It is composed of:
The EB oversees research, training, communication, dissemination, and exploitation activities. It meets every two months via videoconference and annually during the MENTOR training event. EB decisions are made by simple majority, with veto rights for all members.
Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)
The SAB provides independent, expert advice to the SB on scientific progress and training programs. Members include six internationally recognized experts in mTOR, genetics, neurology, proteomics, epilepsy care, and patient advocacy. Their role is purely consultative.
Supporting Committees
Five specialized committees support the SB and EB, ensuring effective management across training, recruitment, communication, ethics, and intellectual property:
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Funded by the European Union under the grant agreement No 101168624. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.