Objective The so-called “DNA damage response” (DDR) is a coordinated set of evolutionary-conserved events that, triggered upon DNA damage detection, arrests the cell-cycle and attempts DNA repair. Recently, we have unveiled and reported that DDR activation depends on RNA. We observed that DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) trigger the local generation of small non-coding RNAs at the site of DNA damage carrying the sequence surrounding the damaged site. These DDR RNAs (DDRNAs) are essential for DDR activation: removal of DDRNAs by RNAse A treatment of permeabilized cells inhibits DDR activation and DDR can be fully restored by the addition of chemically-synthesized DDRNA carrying the sequence surrounding the damaged site but not other sequences (Francia, Nature 2012). Cancer cells must preserve unlimited proliferative potential. We have previously shown that oncogene activation (and therefore cell transformation) is associated with DDR activation at fragile sites (Di Micco, Nature 2006). Several studies have shown that RNA functions can be inhibited by antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) that act by pairing with target RNAs. We propose scientific development and commercialization activities to bring to a clinical application a therapeutic approach for tumors based on DDRNA inhibition by ASO. Analysis of prior art indicate that there is no overlapping IP protection. Based on our solid IPR, we trust we have an excellent candidate for a first-in-class tool to block proliferation in a subtype of tumors. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsRNA Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Topic(s) ERC-PoC-2014 - ERC Proof of Concept Grant Call for proposal ERC-2014-PoC See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant Coordinator IFOM-ISTITUTO FONDAZIONE DI ONCOLOGIA MOLECOLARE ETS Net EU contribution € 111 000,00 Address Via adamello 16 20139 Milano Italy See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Beneficiaries (2) Sort alphabetically Sort by Net EU contribution Expand all Collapse all IFOM-ISTITUTO FONDAZIONE DI ONCOLOGIA MOLECOLARE ETS Italy Net EU contribution € 111 000,00 Address Via adamello 16 20139 Milano See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Research Organisations Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00 Third-party Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure. TTFACTOR SRL Italy Net EU contribution € 38 425,00 Address Via ripamonti giuseppe 435 20141 Milano See on map Region Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
