Objective
The oral epithelium is a unique tissue with a high degree of structural heterogeneity and distinct microenvironments (niches). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the site-specific proliferation and differentiation of oral epithelial stem cells (OESCs) remain poorly understood. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), one of the most common oral cancers, is a heterogeneous cancer type. Occurrences of metastatic lesions and treatment response differ from oral site to site, indicating a causal link to the heterogeneous nature of distinct OESC pools. In the OralNiche project, we will for the first time systematically and comprehensively characterise the OESC pools, dissect key mechanisms underlying oral epithelial site-specificity and define their contribution to OSCC heterogeneity. To achieve this, we will combine novel mouse models and patient material with cutting-edge methodology, including whole mount imaging, single-cell sequencing and organoids. Initially, we will profile the proliferative activities of OESCs and explore how stemness is regulated within defined niches in homeostasis, OSCC and chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Subsequently, we will functionally assess cellular cues that modulate stemness in the oral epithelia and generate a comprehensive single-cell atlas of OESCs and their cellular niches. Lastly, using OSCC patient material, we will validate key observations to define potential new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In summary, this multidisciplinary approach will reveal how the distinct OESC pools maintain homeostasis, and how they respond to challenges, such as mucositis and OSCC. OralNiche will deliver new knowledge on the impact of tissue site-specificity on tumour heterogeneity and therapy response, which will have significant implications for OSCC patients. Moreover, the knowledge gained and the technological advances proposed will be applicable to other tissues and tumour types and thus provide a model approach in cancer research.
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.
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology cells technologies stem cells
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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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HORIZON.1.1 - 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.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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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-2021-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.
97080 WURZBURG
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.