Objective
Activating point mutations in RAS are present in a large number of tumours. Besides treating tumours by reversing the effects of oncoproteins through inhibition, another approach is to use therapies that target tumour-specific vulnerabilities caused by the oncogenic state. To investigate this possibility, an siRNA screen has been performed in order to identify new genes necessary for the RAS-driven oncogenic state. This approach has led to the identification of the matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) as a protein required for the survival of cells with an activated KRAS allele. MMP-7 is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family that has broad substrate selectivity against extracellular matrix components and some non-matrix substrates. MMP-7 is overexpressed in a variety of tumours and is associated with unfavourable prognosis. The main aim of this project is to study the mechanism underlying the dependency of cells with RAS activating mutations on MMP-7 expression. To determine this we will study four different pathways. MMP-7 can suppress apoptotic FasL/Fas pathway by cleaving FasL and reducing its efficacy in triggering Fas signals. Alternatively, MMP-7, by cleaving E-cadherin, can increase β-catenin-Wnt pathway, which is required by several tumour types. Moreover, MMP-7 proteolysis of IGFBP-3 plays a crucial role in regulating IGF-I bioavailability, thereby promoting cell survival. Finally, MMP-7 can process HB-EGF that will activate ErB4 signalling. This leads to a survival signalling through receptor tyrosine kinases. We will also study MMP-7 dependency in vivo using MMP-7 knock-out mice crossed with a RAS mutated mouse model. Results obtained may lead to improved cancer therapies, with the possibility that certain tumour types with high levels of RAS mutations could be treated with specific MMP-7 inhibitors. Moreover, identification of the mechanism of MMP-7 dependence will also allow the identification of new pharmacological targets.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF
See other projects for this call
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.
Coordinator
E20 1JQ LONDON
United Kingdom
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.