Identification and development of novel colorectal cancer biomarkers via state-of-the-art liquid biopsy approaches

Informazioni relative al progetto

ColoMARK

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101072448

DOI

10.3030/101072448

Data della firma CE 6 Luglio 2022

Data di avvio 1 Novembre 2022

Data di completamento 30 Aprile 2027

Finanziato da

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Costo totale

Nessun dato

Contributo UE

€ 2 656 677,60

Coordinato da

FUNDACION PUBLICA GALEGA INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACION SANITARIA DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ColoMARK (Identification and development of novel colorectal cancer biomarkers via state-of-the-art liquid biopsy approaches)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2022-11-01 al 2024-10-31

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

ColoMARK is a European research initiative pioneering liquid biopsy strategies to transform colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and management through cutting-edge molecular technologies.

CRC, the third most common cancer worldwide, represents a major health burden with nearly 2 million new cases yearly. ColoMARK focuses on three key areas: predictive biomarkers for risk assessment, diagnostic biomarkers for non-invasive early detection, and prognostic biomarkers for personalised treatment and disease monitoring.

ColoMARK unites leading experts in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, pathology, and technology development to address this challenge. By addressing critical gaps in CRC detection and management, ColoMARK aims to enhance patient outcomes, optimise screening efficiency, and contribute to cost-effective, sustainable healthcare solutions.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

Key achievements so far include the profiling of colorectal polyps, the evaluation of metabolic signatures as a measure of dairy consumption and its relationship with CRC risk, measures of gut barrier biomarkers linked to CRC occurrence, and miRNA profiling for disease prognosis.

The ColoMARK DCs have also extensively worked in benchmarking optimised protocols for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) detection at early stages, the quantification of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) In different bodily fluids and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (tdEVs), the evaluation of cell-free tumour RNA molecules from plasma samples and the use of multiplexed dynamic chemical labelling (DCL) for the rapid detection of miRNAs.

Overall, these achievements contribute to the development of better CRC biomarkers.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

The ColoMARK project has advanced the understanding of colorectal cancer (CRC) mechanisms through the identification of novel biomarkers. Specifically, we have observed the relationship between metabolic dietary signatures and CRC risk, the relationship between the presence of certain miRNAs and ctDNA and CRC evolution, or the mechanisms of cell communication via extracellular vesicles. These findings have the potential to enhance early detection, personalized treatment, and patient monitoring.
Future plans across the projects focus on further biomarker validation, assay standardization and systems biology approaches to provide a holistic understanding of the molecular processes leading to CRC and its evolution over the course of the disease. Key areas include matching somatic profiles and ctDNA data in early stages, investigating gut barrier function, or a deepening of our understanding of the mechanisms leading to ctDNA shedding.

By addressing key research and implementation needs, ColoMARK has the potential to revolutionize CRC detection and management, improving global patient outcomes and healthcare sustainability.