Objective
Cells need a constant supply of nutrients to maintain homeostasis, integrity and identity. In multicellular organisms, cells of different types tightly control this chemical exchange with their environment depending on metabolic requirements. While intracellular metabolic and nutrient-sensing pathways are widely studied, our understanding of how cells regulate their nutrient uptake in the first place remains largely unexplored. Nutrient uptake occurs at the cellular membranes via transporter proteins. In this context, I recently identified a case where a solute carrier (SLC) transporter controls intestinal cancer cell growth and metastasis to distant organs. Considering the intestine is the major nexus for almost all nutrient uptake, we do not yet know the functional impact of transporters on intestinal stem cells and in pathological conditions such as cancer, with a lack of relevant in vivo experimental model systems limiting further investigation.
Applying my expertise at the intersection of metabolism, stem cell and cancer biology, I propose using intestine as a paradigm to create models and methods to advance understanding of nutrient UPTAKE via SLCs in intestinal cells in vivo (UPTAKE), addressing the present discovery-limiting technical shortfall. I will: i) use advanced genetically engineered mouse models and spatial metabolic imaging tools to map the metabolism of intestinal stem cells and cancer initiating cells; ii) create new state-of-the-art, scalable genetic models to comprehensively study the role of SLCs in cancer initiation and progression; and iii) finally, mechanistically characterize the identified SLCs in vivo using mouse models and spatial multi-omics methods. Through UPTAKE, I will answer fundamental questions on how intestinal stem and cancer cells meet their specialized nutrient needs while creating broadly applicable genetic tools and models to power further research into SLCs that contribute to metabolic rewiring in many other cancers.
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
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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.1.1 - 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 - HORIZON ERC 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-2025-COG
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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.
00014 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO
Finland
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.