Objective
Cancer therapy faces significant challenges due to multidrug resistance (MDR), which reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents. A key factor influencing MDR is the altered redox state within cancer cells, characterized by varying levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Understanding the dynamics of ROS is crucial, as they can both promote and inhibit tumor progression. Glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant brain cancer, exemplifies the challenges associated with MDR, often exacerbated by a hypoxic tumor microenvironment and elevated ROS production. This project aims to investigate the role of ROS in MDR by integrating PhotoActivated ChemoTherapy (PACT) and recombinant D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO), a chemogenetic tool that is able to generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the most stable ROS, within specific cellular compartments. PACT is an innovative anticancer treatment utilizing ruthenium-based (Ru) compounds that are selectively activated by red light in an O2-independent manner, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
In this project, I will implement DAAO to introduce controlled levels of H2O2 into glioblastoma cells, and then treat the cells with PACT, targeting NAMPT, a protein involved in the recycling of NAD+. I will correlate cancer cell resistance to PACT treatment with ROS levels, which will be monitored via Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Indicators (GEFIs). The project includes i) developing targeted ROS generation systems during a secondment at the nearby hospital, ii) exploring cellular adaptive responses, and iii) conducting in vivo mouse studies to validate the results from in vitro experiments. This project aims to combine chemogenetic applications and PACT for the first time. This innovative research has the potential to provide significant insights into the role of ROS in cancer therapy resistance, and to propose effective strategies to overcome MDR, thereby advancing glioblastoma treatment.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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.
This project's classification has been human-validated.
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-2024-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.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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.