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DDRNA-based cancer therapy targeted telomeres

Objective

The so-called “DNA damage response” (DDR) is a coordinated set of evolutionary-conserved events that, triggered upon DNA damage detection, arrests the cell-cycle and attempts DNA repair. Recently, we have unveiled and reported that DDR activation depends on RNA. We observed that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) trigger the local generation of small non-coding RNAs at the site of DNA damage carrying the sequence surrounding the damaged site. These DDR RNAs (DDRNAs) are essential for DDR activation: removal of DDRNAs by RNAse A treatment of permeabilized cells inhibits DDR activation and DDR can be fully restored by the addition of chemically-synthesized DDRNA carrying the sequence surrounding the damaged site but not other sequences (Francia, Nature 2012).
Cancer cells must preserve unlimited proliferative potential. We have previously shown that oncogene activation (and therefore cell transformation) is associated with DDR activation at fragile sites (Di Micco, Nature 2006). Several studies have shown that RNA functions can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) that act by pairing with target RNAs.
We propose scientific development and commercialization activities to bring to a clinical application a therapeutic approach for tumors based on DDRNA inhibition by ASO. Analysis of prior art indicate that there is no overlapping IP protection. Based on our solid IPR, we trust we have an excellent candidate for a first-in-class tool to block proliferation in a subtype of tumors.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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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-POC - Proof of Concept Grant

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Call for proposal

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

(opens in new window) ERC-2014-PoC

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Host institution

IFOM-ISTITUTO FONDAZIONE DI ONCOLOGIA MOLECOLARE ETS
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.

€ 111 000,00
Address
VIA ADAMELLO 16
20139 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Research Organisations
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.

€ 149 425,00

Beneficiaries (2)

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