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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Discovering Gene-Drug Interactions in Breast Cancer With a Systematic and Genetically Tractable Model

Objective

Biomedical research has been very successful in finding the individual genes that are deregulated in cancer and it is estimated that ~2% of all genes can be classified as “cancer genes”. However, it has proven challenging to translate this genomics knowledge into effective treatments.
One complication is that cancer cells typically carry many molecular aberrations and every tumor displays a unique pattern. This heterogeneity complicates the application of drugs and biologicals as it often interferes with patient response. Thus, unraveling the complex interplay between cancer genes and drugs is of great importance for effective patient-stratified cancer therapy.
Besides playing a role in drug resistance, the molecular changes also result in cancer cells becoming uniquely dependent on certain gene products or pathways. These cancer “vulnerabilities” offer opportunities targeted therapies, including those based on oncogene addiction and synthetic lethality. Therefore, these concepts have attracted much interest as they can help bridge the gap between cancer genomics and effective treatments.

I propose to identify cancer vulnerabilities and drug resistance mechanisms in breast cancer by developing a genetically tractable model system. Designed to capture relevant constellations of genetic aberrations found in patients, it extends our recently developed, systematic screening platform. Combined with bioinformatics integration of cell line data, this will result in a unique and powerful approach.
I aim to identify functional interactions between breast cancer genes and experimental or approved drugs. Detailed characterization of gene-drug interactions will reveal their translational potential for targeting specific cancer vulnerabilities in patients, or as biomarkers. Together, this project aims to improve therapies in breast cancer by identifying patient cohorts that are most likely to benefit from a given drug and revealing novel cancer Achilles’ heels.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

ERC-2012-StG_20111109
See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
EU contribution
€ 1 128 323,98
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

No data

Beneficiaries (2)

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