Objective
One of the unsolved problems in cancer biology is why and how do certain oncogenic driver genes promote cancer in one cellular context but not in another. This project focuses on fusion oncogenes relevant to sarcomas, which are sarcoma type-specific and tumorigenic only in certain cellular states. By combining cell fate engineering of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with forced expression of sarcoma-linked fusions, I will systematically probe the cellular contexts and molecular mechanisms of fusion-driven sarcomagenesis, with the prospect of building novel disease models that could be used for testing new therapies.
I hypothesize that fusion-driven sarcomas emerge from the combination of an oncogenic fusion protein and a cell-of-origin that is defined by a characteristic state prone to transformation. I will investigate the interplay between a specific cellular context and the activity of a particular fusion and whether a permissive cellular context is sufficient for fusions to execute their tumorigenic programs.
I will pursue a build it to understand it approach and construct sarcoma models starting from hPSCs inducible for the expression of five sarcoma-linked fusions respectively. I will validate these models against single-cell and spatial maps of sarcoma tumors available in the host lab. I will exploit two complementary approaches for creating cells permissive to different fusion oncogenes: i. Programmed differentiation of hPSCs with precise molecular intervention in vitro (Objective 1); ii. Genetically engineered teratomas that could allow for full in vivo modeling of sarcomas (Objective 2).
Alignment with the call: Innovative, collaborative, multidisciplinary project expected to qualify the applicant for a principal investigator position and an ERC starting grant. Candidate is promising early career female scientist moving from Italy to Austria. The candidate will bring her knowledge and new possible collaborations to the host lab.
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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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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.
1090 Wien
Austria
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.