Project description
Role of type I collagen degradation mechanisms in fibrosis-related diseases
The extracellular matrix is a key player in fibrosis-related chronic diseases (CDs), and type I collagen (COL1) is a predominant component in the fibrotic tissue. Recent evidence indicates that disruption of COL1 degradation contributes to the onset and progression of fibrosis. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the DisCo-I project aims to enhance the understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with COL1 degradation disruption in major fibrosis-related CDs and verify the hypothesis that attenuated COL1 degradation is the key driver of fibrosis. The multidisciplinary research platform will provide training to early-stage researchers using state-of-the-art omics approaches and data bioinformatics framework, followed by in vivo and ex vivo studies and training in translational research.
Objective
Fibrosis-related chronic diseases (CDs) are amongst the biggest societal burdens in Europe, with fibrosis being recognised as the main driver of morbidity and mortality. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key player in fibrosis, with an excessive accumulation of type I collagen (COL1) being a predominant component of the fibrotic tissue. While the increase in COL1 production is considered a main driver of fibrosis, respective drugs had limited efficacy. New evidence indicates that attenuation of COL1 degradation is highly relevant, contributing to onset and progression of fibrosis. Ambitious early stage researchers (ESRs) will join forces within a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive and inter-sectoral doctorate training programme, embedded in an existing network of excellent research groups across Europe, to investigate the “outside-the-box idea” on impaired COL1 degradation being a key driver of fibrosis. The main scientific goal is to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with COL1 degradation in major fibrosis-related CDs, and investigate the disruptive hypothesis of attenuated COL1 degradation being the key driver of fibrosis and a major contributor to onset and progression of CDs. This will be achieved through multi-disciplinary research and training combining state-of-the-art –omics approaches and data (peptidomics, proteomics and transcriptomics) in a bioinformatics framework, followed by in- and ex-vivo investigation, complemented with ESRs training on translational skills and competences. Such a programme will train a new generation of translational researchers able to covert ideas into products, and will have a profound impact on their employability, and competitiveness. The project will progress beyond the state of the art and provide the currently missing fundamental knowledge on the molecular pathophysiology of COL1 degradation, setting up the stage for novel biomarkers and anti-fibrotic therapies.
Fields of science
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Coordinator
75654 Paris
France