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Content archived on 2024-05-27

Systematic Identification and Validation of Epigenetic Cancer Lesions by Chemical Biology and Functional Genomics

Objective

Epigenetic pathways contribute to cancer development and progression. These pathways act via proteins that modulate chromatin structure and gene expression, and can thereby give pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic properties selected for in cancer. In total ~400 factors are known that either modify chromatin directly as epigenetic ‘writers’ (DNA methyltranserases, histone methyltransferases, acetyltransferases, kinases, ubiquitinases) and ‘erasers’ (histone demethylases, deacetylases, phosphatases, deubiquitinases) or indirectly by moving nucleosomes (‘remodelers’) or binding to the modifications set by the ‘writers’ (‘readers’; e.g. bromo, PHD, chromo, tudor domains). Small molecules inhibiting several chromatin modifying enzymes have been developed, and HDAC inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors are approved drugs. While DNA methyltransferases and histone deacetylases are well-established drug-targets, the majority of the ~400 chromatin modifiers is not studied in cancer. Furthermore, the functional link between genetic alterations of the genes encoding these enzymes and increased proliferation in a cancerous state is less well established.
Here we propose to generate and apply tools to systematically study these proteins in cancer using epigenome-wide knock-down studies and small molecule probes. This project directly benefits from the experience at the Broad Institute, where Stefan Kubicek worked for 3.5 years, which allowed him to bring to CeMM a library of knock-down constructs targeting all chromatin proteins in collaboration with the Broad RNAi platform. Similarly, his work on histone demethylases has yielded interesting probe compounds, and his continuing collaboration is recognized by his continuing status as a Remote Associate Researcher of the Broad Institute Chemical Biology Program. Stefan Kubicek started at CeMM in August 2010 and funding of this EPICAL proposal will allow to further integrate his career in the European research space.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Topic(s)

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Call for proposal

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FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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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.

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinator

CEMM - FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM FUER MOLEKULARE MEDIZIN GMBH
EU contribution
€ 100 000,00
Address
LAZARETTGASSE 14 AKH BT 25.3
1090 Wien
Austria

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Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
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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.

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