Objective
The coordinated regulation of developmental gene expression and morphogenetic movements during embryogenesis relies on feedback between these two systems. Activation and maintenance of the expression of genes critical for embryogenesis can be dependent on mechanical induction triggered by morphogenetic movements within the embryo. This has been demonstrated by the host laboratory for the twist-dependent invagination of the anterior foregut in Drosophila, in response to compression caused by germ band extension.
The twist pathway is activated by the mechano-sensitive translocation of Armadillo to the nucleus, which in turn initiates gene expression patterns triggering further morphogenetic movements, in part via inhibition of the adhesion protein E-cadherin. Homologous pathways act at the endothelial-mesenchymal transition of mammalian tumours, with nuclear translocation of B-catenin (mammalian Armadillo homologue), down-regulation of E-cadherin, and upregulation of twist. This pathway therefore represents a critical control point for regulation of tumour metastasis. I propose to extend the investigation of mechano-sensitive twist expression to mouse and human cancers, to determine whether mechanical strain caused by tumour growth is a contributor to metastasis.
Initial studies will make use of a series of mouse mutants, which develop a controlled spectrum of stages of gastrointestinal cancer, and parallel studies will be carried out in clinical breast tumour tissues. Should a positive correlation be determined between endogenous or exogenous mechanical pressure and tumour metastasis, these studies could have serious implications for the safety and efficacy of screening mammography.
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 developmental biology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology breast cancer
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology colorectal cancer
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine embryology
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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.
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.
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.
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-5
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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.
Coordinator
PARIS
France
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.