Objetivo 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. Ámbito científico natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopymedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologybreast cancermedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologycolorectal cancer Programa(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Tema(s) MSCA-IF-2014-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Convocatoria de propuestas H2020-MSCA-IF-2014 Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria Régimen de financiación MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinador UNIVERSITAT LINZ Aportación neta de la UEn € 166 156,80 Dirección ALTENBERGER STRASSE 69 4040 Linz Austria Ver en el mapa Región Westösterreich Oberösterreich Linz-Wels Tipo de actividad Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Enlaces Contactar con la organización Opens in new window Sitio web Opens in new window Participación en los programas de I+D de la UE Opens in new window Red de colaboración de HORIZON Opens in new window Coste total € 166 156,80
