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Spatiotemporal characterization of extrachromosomal DNA transcription and its key regulators in cancer cells

Objective

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (ecDNA) present in cancer cells stochastically amplifies oncogenes and drug resistance genes independent from the core genome and thereby contributes to tumor adaptability and heterogeneity. While ecDNA prevalence, diversity, and biological traits have been studied, we lack insights into their expression regulation. It is unclear how it differs from chromosomal genes and how it is linked to the non-random and dynamic nuclear localization patterns observed for many ecDNA. Moreover, we are unaware of the proteins that participate in interactions with nuclear compartments to control ecDNA transcription. Most studies using sequencing and FISH methods fall short in describing these dynamic processes. However, understanding their implications is vital for designing therapies that target ecDNA expression as a whole instead of targeting individual oncogenes. To advance our knowledge, we need tools to map ecDNA transcription at high temporal and spatial resolution and systematic methods to screen for associated proteins. The aim of this project is to identify crucial overarching mechanisms and players of ecDNA transcription through an interdisciplinary approach. The Medema group has devised protocols to induce extrachromosomal amplification of drug resistance genes in diverse cellular backgrounds and genetically tag them for imaging and perturbation. The present study will build on this work to for the first time reveal the spatiotemporal co-regulation of ecDNA transcription and localization using innovative imaging reporters for measurements in single live cells and use unbiased proteomic profiling to map factors that interact with ecDNA and regulate their expression. Besides addressing outstanding questions in the field, our study will create unique cell models and datasets as a basis for future studies. Our results will furthermore inform the design of more effective treatments for the many cancer patients affected in Europe and worldwide.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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)

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

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.

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.

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.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01

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Coordinator

PRINSES MAXIMA CENTRUM VOOR KINDERONCOLOGIE BV
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 187 624,32
Total cost

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.

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