Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English en
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Training program to engage flexible and disordered protein targets for therapeutic development: The oncogene β-catenin as showcase.

Objective

Traditionally, proteins have been categorized into two main structural classes: ordered and disordered. Large parts of the human proteome contain intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs), which are highly flexible and only sometimes adopt a distinct conformation upon interaction with a binding partner. IDRs are fundamental to intracellular signalling and protein interaction networks, particularly transcriptional regulation. Dysregulation of these processes is strongly associated with diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. However, targeting IDRs is challenging because of their dynamic nature and the lack of well-defined binding pockets. IDR targets have therefore been largely underrepresented in the pharmaceutical industry and the competencies for characterizing and targeting IDRs are lacking.
The aim of the FlexCAT doctoral training network (DN) is to equip a cohort of doctoral candidates (DCs) with unique expertise and knowledge in characterizing and targeting IDRs. We aim to challenge and complement the limitations of classical small molecule approaches that were primarily developed to target druggable pockets within folded proteins. The DCs will carry out challenging research projects with the aim to assemble, expand, develop and apply novel approaches to understand and exploit disordered targets and IDRs. We will focus on utilizing β-catenin, a central therapeutic target and prime example of an IDR-related drug targeting challenge. Alongside the individual research projects, the DCs will expand their knowledge and transferrable skills through a structured training program, including secondments and contributions from the non-academic sector. The outcome of the FlexCAT DN will be increased understanding of the role of disordered targets and IDRs, their implications in disease and particularly cancer, while also developing practical strategies for exploring the therapeutic intervention of alternative IDR-related protein targets.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

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-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN
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.

€ 605 085,84
Address
KARLSPLATZ 13
1040 Wien
Austria

See on map

Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
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.

No data

Participants (10)

Partners (10)