Objective
Deregulation of the EVI1 oncogene is a key transforming event in the development of many malignancies, most prominently very high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML), ovarian, colon, breast, non-small cell lung cancer, and soft-tissue sarcoma. For decades, both EVI1 function and the mechanism underlying its deregulation have been poorly understood. The consequent lack of a targeted therapy against EVI1 establishes a pressing medical need. In a recent study investigating a distinct category of EVI1-driven AML with inv(3) or t(3;3), we characterized the regulatory domain of EVI1 and identified a master regulatory element of the stemness factor GATA2 to be rearranged to EVI1, thereby deregulating both genes. Applying functional genomics and genome-editing, we found that the rearranged enhancer element adopted novel features, such as superloading of the epigenetic reader and chromatin regulator BRD4, allowing its inhibition with BET/bromodomain inhibitors with relative EVI1 specificity. Interference with EVI1-regulatory mechanisms thus has potential therapeutic value in EVI1-transformed tumors. To pave the way for epigenetic targeting of other EVI1-expressing malignancies, we aim to identify genomic enhancer sequences and protein components of the EVI1 regulatory domain by systematic epigenetic and proteomic profiling. Specifically, we seek to achieve the following experimental goals: (1) Identification of the mechanism underlying EVI1 deregulation in non-3q-rearranged AML and solid tumors; (2) Addressing the role of breakpoint-associated transpos-able retroelements; (3) Characterization of the transcription factor complex regulating EVI1; (4) Identification of epigenetic resistance mechanisms in EVI1+ AML by using an in vivo model and a genome-editing approach. The proposed experiments will provide insight into the epigenetic landscape of EVI1+ malignancies and help reveal new targets and genetic interactions amenable to future therapies in these high-risk malignancies.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology lung cancer
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology leukemia
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
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-STG - Starting Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2015-STG
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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.
69120 Heidelberg
Germany
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.