Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Onco-inflammation (Origin of genomic instability: Understanding the biological influence of inflammation in the initiation of pancreatic tumorigenesis)
Reporting period: 2022-09-01 to 2024-08-31
By understanding the mechanisms behind the initiation of tumorigenesis, new therapeutic targets and early detection markers can be discovered, which are really needed to improve the diagnostic and prognostic of those patients.
The overall objective of this grant is to understand better the link better cellular plasticity, inflammation and genomic changes in an attempt to find new cures. During this grant, we develop this initial hypothesis into deeper biological understanding of the inflammation and cell plasticity’s roles on genomic instability. A parallel goal of the MSCA Individual Fellowship is to foster the development of the individual researcher. The results from this grant represent a crucial support to transition into an independent academic career.
During the period of the MSCA grant, we generated several mice models and tested the use of high-resolution imaging to detect genomic instability as described in the WP 1 as well as the use of IHC. Importantly, we confirm the validity of our hypothesis and generate promising preliminary data. To date, this project yields 1 review paper on genomic instability and 1 scientific manuscript in preparation.
We also started a collaboration with a chemistry laboratory to validate the use of nanoparticle controlled drug delivery. This work result in a publication in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
The fellow also attended two conferences in the cancer field (WP5). The EACR European association for cancer research annual meeting at Torino in Italy as well as a Spanish conference in cancer ASEICA (Spanish association of cancer researchers) annual meeting. Those meetings have allowed to connect the fellow with several experts of her field and will lead to future collaborations within her new laboratory.
In term of divulgation (WP5), the follow participated in three major events to celebrate i)- the European night of researcher (Caixaforum) and ii)- 2 events for the women in science´s day (one with CONOCELAS program organized by the Spanish association of cancer researchers and one at local school).
Most importantly, the fellow applies to several grants and secure her stabilization and transition to a PI position. She started her laboratory in September 2023 at the University of Seville. She won the regional grant EMERGIA (as PI and 160.000 for lab expenses) as well a national grant from Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) (as PI and 185.000 euros) ensuring her stabilization within the Spanish system.
- Progress beyond the state of the art
Using several innovative techniques such as high-resolution imaging, we observed and validated our hypothesis on the origin of genomic instability under inflammation. The results from this grant support our innovative idea and new concept about genomic instability and will open a new avenue and line of research in the cancer field.
- Expected results:
Results obtained during this grant confirmed the hypothesis of work and showed promising possibility in discovering new markers and therapeutic targets against genomic unstable cells in pancreas. Understanding better the origin of genomic instability is primordial in view to discover new therapeutics to fight initiation and progression of tumorigenesis. The long-term results of this grant will benefice all the society, as cancer research is one of the priority field of research.
- Potential impact:
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the cancers with the poorest prognosis, with an overall 5-year survival rate of about 5%, without much difference between high/middle/low-income countries. Discovery of new PDAC classification and treatment can greatly improve patient´s survival and wellbeing, and be beneficial for all society.
Furthermore, discoveries obtained in this type of cancer could be translated to other ones, having a broader impact in the society.