Project description
tRNA biomarkers for cancer diagnosis
In cancer cells, dysregulation of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and their modifications influences the translation of oncogenic proteins. Despite this link, tRNAs remain underutilised as diagnostic or prognostic markers due to the absence of simple, cost-effective quantification methods. The EU-funded tRNADiagnostics project addresses this knowledge gap with the innovative Nano-tRNAseq by using native tRNA nanopore sequencing to accurately measure tRNA abundances and modifications at a fraction of traditional sequencing costs. This method, combined with deep learning algorithms for rapid signal classification, shows promise in distinguishing cancerous samples and identifying their tissue of origin. The project aims to validate this technology for liquid biopsies, paving the way for clinical applications and potential commercialisation.
Objective
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are abundant, heavily-modified small non-coding RNAs that play a pivotal role in decoding genetic information, determining which transcripts are highly and poorly translated at a given moment. Dysregulation of tRNA abundances and tRNA modifications is a well-known feature in cancer cells, leading to enhanced translation of specific oncogenic proteins. Despite the well-established association between tRNA dysregulation and cancer progression and malignancy, tRNA abundances and their modifications are still not being used as diagnostic or prognostic markers for cancer detection or progression, mainly due to the lack of a simple, unbiased and cost-effective method to quantify tRNA abundances and their modifications. Our laboratory has recently established Nano-tRNAseq, a pioneering method that can accurately quantify both tRNA abundances and tRNA modifications using native tRNA nanopore sequencing, for a fraction of the cost of next-generation sequencing-based approaches. By employing a proprietary Nano-tRNAseq nanopore library preparation protocol coupled with deep learning algorithms that will rapidly classify the nanopore current signals, here we aim to establish a method that exploits tRNAs as novel biomarkers through the use of third generation sequencing technologies. We have initial evidence of how our approach can separate cancer from non-cancer samples and possibly be used to identify the tissue of origin. In this project, we will fully validate our technological platform for the differential analysis of low-input RNA amounts in liquid biopsy samples. We will initially apply our method in the cancer arena, expandable to many other indications, following the advice of key stakeholders contacted so far, with the goal of laying the basis for the transfer of our technology to the marketplace, including through the creation of a new start-up 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
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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)
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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-2024-POC
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08003 Barcelona
Spain
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