Objective
An atomic level explanation of the molecular basis of the action of anticancer agents inhibiting microtubule functions has been a long sought and yet partially unsolved goal in cancer research. In cells tubulin exists in a state of dynamic equilibrium between a heterodimeric form and a polymeric form, generally refereed to as microtubules. The intrinsic dynamic instability of microtubules is essential for their function, particularly mitosis. Compounds altering this dynamic exchange interfere with cell proliferation and are promising candidates for cancer chemotherapy. Several classes of natural products were recently observed to induce mitotic arrest by interfering with either the disassembly or assembly of the microtubule network, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death.
Over the past decade continuous efforts were made on the elucidation of the molecular bases of the anticancer activity of tubulin-binding ligands; however, they have not provided a coherent picture. In the proposed project information on the binding conformation of microtubule-targeted depolymerising agents will be gained by novel solution NMR spectroscopic methodologies in combination with synthetic organic, computational and microscopic techniques. The localization of the pharmacon binding pockets of tubulin as well as the relative binding orientation of the ligands in their respective pockets will be assessed by a new technique (INPHARMA) recently developed by the host department. Hence, our study will, for the first time, allow systematic mapping of the binding pockets of tubulin depolymerising agents and provide description of tubulin-ligand interactions at molecular level.
Results are expected to have an impact on the development of novel anti-cancer drugs of improved activity. In addition, the postdoctoral stay will offer the researcher opportunity to broaden his scientific expertise and receive training in complementary skills necessary to lead an independent research group.
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.
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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.
FP6-2005-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
MUENCHEN
Germany
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.