Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Role of cell membrane associated Hsp70 in cancer cell adhesion and metastasis

Objective

We propose an interdisciplinary project at the interface of biophysics, biochemistry, and medical research. Our objective is to investigate the specific role of cell membrane associated heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in the context of invasive cancer. In particular we address the question how cell membrane localization of Hsp70 affects differential adhesion of cancer cells and the formation of metastasis. In general, heat shock proteins (HSP) assist in folding of nascent proteins, prevent protein aggregation, and assist transport of proteins. Upon a variety of stresses HSP production is rapidly upregulated. Hsp70 is the major stress-inducible member of the HSP70 family. In normal cells it copes with harmful unfolded and denatured protein conferring protection to the cell. Tumor cells frequently present Hsp70 on their outer surface where it exhibits additional activities. For a number of different tumors a high level of membrane Hsp70 has been found to indicate drastically decreased survival chances in patients. Moreover it has been implicated in formation of metastasis where it might support spread and anchoring into distant tissues. These findings highlight the clinical significance of cell membrane associated Hsp70 and the need for a better understanding of its role in differential cell adhesion and progression of cancer. We will employ atomic force microscopy (AFM) in order to elucidate the function of membrane Hsp70 as a possible adhesion molecule or mediator of cellular adhesion. (1) Using single-cell force spectroscopy we will characterize and quantify adhesion forces of Hsp70 positive and negative cells to different substrates mimicking their interaction with extracellular matrix and host tissue. (2) With the help of a specialized AFM technique that enables topography imaging with a simultaneous recognition of specific surface molecules we will determine the localization and arrangement of Hsp70 molecules on the cell surface with nanometer resolution.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

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

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2014

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT LINZ
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 166 156,80
Address
ALTENBERGER STRASSE 69
4040 Linz
Austria

See on map

Region
Westösterreich Oberösterreich Linz-Wels
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
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.

€ 166 156,80
My booklet 0 0