Objective
Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) represents one third of lung tumours; 550,000 cases are diagnosed annually worldwide (20% occur in Europe). Treatment options for this cancer type are still scarce. Identification of LSCC genetic drivers is thus an essential unmet need for developing novel therapies for this disease.
In a stepwise multidisciplinary approach, we will determine if TNIK (Traf-2 and Nck-interacting kinase), a gene amplified in almost 40% of LSCC cases, constitutes a therapeutic target for the treatment of LSCC patients. Our preliminary data show that TNIK is overexpressed in LSCC cells, in which it has a pro-oncogenic role. Using proteomics approaches and functional assays, we will define the molecular mechanisms and critical signalling pathways that TNIK modulates to promote LSCC progression. In xenograft models we will confirm the contribution of TNIK to the studied phenotypes in vivo. We will analyse TNIK levels and activity (after identification of substrates) in patient samples, and will aim to validate TNIK as a target for therapeutic intervention using small molecule TNIK inhibitors in novel preclinical models: LSCC organoids and patient-derived xenografts. Finally, we will assess if increased TNIK expression can serve as a biomarker to select patients that would benefit from treatment with TNIK inhibitors. Our studies will increase our knowledge on LSCC biology and aim to find a precise treatment for this disease.
This project will enable Dr P Torres-Ayuso to develop a wide range of new and transferable skills, and will allow him to broaden his technical, mentoring, management and communication skills. He will benefit from the high calibre of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, and the expertise of his supervisor (Dr J Brognard) who will aid in his development as a young scientist. This project will thus enable the Fellow to achieve his long-term objective of obtaining a leadership position in a competitive European Institute.
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.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2015
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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.
M13 9PL Manchester
United Kingdom
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.