Project description
A dual-target strategy against metastatic melanoma
Melanoma is characterised by an increased propensity to metastasise and develop resistance to existing treatments. Emerging evidence has identified the nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR as a driver of melanoma progression, invasion, and metastasis, making it an attractive therapeutic target. The EU-funded Target-MelaneX project proposes to develop a dual p75NTR inhibition strategy that targets melanoma cells and extracellular vesicles. Known to play a key role in cell-to-cell communication, extracellular vesicles also drive metastasis. Researchers plan to develop peptide ligands that selectively bind and block p75NTR function, opening new avenues for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
Objective
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is strongly influenced by environmental factors such as UV radiation from ozone depletion. In 2022, there were 331,722 new melanoma cases globally, and by 2040, cases are expected to rise by 50%. A major challenge in treating melanoma is its ability to metastasize, especially when therapeutic targets are unclear or when tumors develop resistance to existing treatments. Recent research findings have identified the nerve growth factor receptor p75NTR as a key player in melanoma progression, invasion, and metastasis, especially in highly metastatic melanoma cells. This project aims to target p75NTR in melanoma cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs) to inhibit melanoma progression.
While p75NTR role has been identified in melanoma cells, its role in tumor-derived EVs—responsible for cell communication and metastasis—remains under-explored. This project aims to block p75NTR in both melanoma cells and EVs, where co-receptors and co-effectors availability and cellular interactions differ from that within cells, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach. Leveraging phage display technique, the project will identify peptide ligands specific to p75NTR on melanoma cells and EVs.
Outcomes from this Fellowship will benefit several scientific communities, including those working in biomaterials and peptide sciences and, cancer, while providing advanced training and career development opportunities for a young researcher at the intersection of targeted cancer therapies, advanced biomaterials design and peptide technology, preparing her for a leadership role in translational cancer research. By addressing both melanoma cells and EVs, this project introduces a dual-targeted strategy with the potential to transform the understanding of melanoma biology and open new avenues for more effective therapies.
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.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
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-WIDERA-2024-TALENTS-02
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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.
4200-135 Porto
Portugal
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.