Objective Transformed melanocytes use several strategies to enable their progression to advanced melanoma and metastasis, including genetic and epigenetic alterations, along with disruptions to gene and protein expression. This consortium aims to identify novel biomarkers for predicting the progression and prognosis of melanoma. To achieve this, a concerted collaborative effort is proposed here between key academic and industrial partners, centred on intersectorial training of experienced researchers. Our first goal is to identify novel methylated genes via several complementary screening methods, followed by validation extensive melanoma cohorts available to the consortium. We will use the following strategies to identify methylated genes: (1) an array-based technique called MeDIP-ON-CHIP, (2) a high-throughput bisulphite-based technique developed by Illumina (to simultaneously analyse up to 800 genes over 96 samples) and (3) in silico analysis of DNA microarray data. To validate these methylation targets, we will use both qualitative and quantitative methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and determine if these methylation events correlate with melanoma progression, i.e. from benign and atypical nevi to primary and metastatic tumours. Our second goal is to validate genes that associate with melanoma progression and prognosis. For this aspect of the project, we will concentrate on the application of tissue microarray technology and associated image analysis approaches to validate molecular determinants of melanoma progression. Prioritised targets will then be functionally validated by a unique in vitro assay that models extravasation, or exit of cancer cells out of the blood stream, a key step in the metastatic process. Overall, these studies will give clues to melanoma progression, and may identify important targets for melanoma treatment. In addition, this industry-academic partnership will provide a valuable cross-disciplinary training ground for emerging researchers. Fields of science medical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyskin cancermelanoma Keywords Biomarkers Clinical analysis DNA Methylation Image analysis Melanoma Tissue-Microarrays extravasation in-vitro studies targeted therapy Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2008 - Marie Curie Action: "Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-IAPP-2008 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IAPP - Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) Coordinator UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN EU contribution € 354 949,00 Address BELFIELD 4 Dublin Ireland See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Donal Doolan (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Participants (8) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITEIT MAASTRICHT Netherlands EU contribution € 67 157,00 Address MINDERBROEDERSBERG 4 6200 MD Maastricht See on map Region Zuid-Nederland Limburg (NL) Zuid-Limburg Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Sietske Satijn (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN Belgium EU contribution No data Address OUDE MARKT 13 3000 Leuven See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Elke Lammertyn (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data UPPSALA UNIVERSITET Sweden EU contribution € 198 849,00 Address VON KRAEMERS ALLE 4 751 05 Uppsala See on map Region Östra Sverige Östra Mellansverige Uppsala län Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Fredrik Ponten (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ONCOMETHYLOME BVBA Participation ended Belgium EU contribution No data Address GASTON GEENLAAN 1 3001 LEUVEN See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Joost Louwagie (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data SlidePath Participation ended Ireland EU contribution No data Address Invent Building, Dublin City University 9 Dublin See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Sinead Kilkelly (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data CELLIX LIMITED Ireland EU contribution € 198 994,00 Address Unit 1, Longmile Business Park, Longmile Rd D12 EK79 Dublin See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Vivienne Williams (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data ONCOMARK LIMITED Ireland EU contribution € 794 659,00 Address 172 RATHGAR ROAD RATHGAR Dublin 6 DUBLIN See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Stephen Penney (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data FUNDACIO INSTITUT D'INVESTIGACIO BIOMEDICA DE BELLVITGE Spain EU contribution € 121 875,00 Address AVENIDA GRAN VIA HOSPITALET 199-203 08908 L'Hospitalet De Llobregat See on map Region Este Cataluña Barcelona Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Victoria Cochrane (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
