Project description
Selective KRAS degradation
KRAS is a key oncogene with mutations encountered very frequently in different types of cancer. Even in the absence of mutations, KRAS signalling is frequently activated, making it a major therapeutic target. Efforts to inhibit KRAS have intensified, particularly with the approval of KRAS-G12C inhibitors. The ERC-funded RAS-AlphaTAC project proposes to target KRAS by activating its degradation. The work is based on proteolysis-targeted chimeric (PROTAC) molecules which specifically degrade proteins through the ubiquitin proteasomal machinery. In this project, researchers will develop a new therapeutic modality (AlphaTAC) that combines a PROTAC molecule and a non-immunoglobulin antibody scaffold capable of penetrating cancer cells. This selective therapeutic approach can serve as a proprietary platform for different targets and types of cancer.
Objective
The RAS pathway is the most frequently activated signaling node in human cancer. Activating KRAS mutations are found in approximately one in seven human cancers. KRAS signaling is also activated in a significant subset of human cancers that lack KRAS mutations. Targeting KRAS has been a central goal during the past four decades, and the efforts have intensified over the past years, ignited by the approval of the KRAS-G12C inhibitors. A targeted KRAS degradation approach is an attractive solution for blocking KRAS activity, and within the Ub-RASDisease project, we explored the degradability of wild-type and mutant KRAS proteins. In parallel, my group initiated studies to combine the Alphabody technology with the targeted protein degradation approach by designing an AlphaTAC as a novel therapeutic modality. The goal of this project is to generate and pre-clinically validate AlphaTACs targeting KRAS for degradation. This will strengthen the Proof of concept on the AlphaTAC utility in targeted protein degradation and provide support for establishing a proprietary platform in view of the creation of a new spin-off company.
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.
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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-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept 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-2023-POC
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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.
9052 ZWIJNAARDE - GENT
Belgium
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.