Objective The proposed research programme deals with the development of aptamer nanostructures for targeted cancer therapy. Immunotherapy encompasses a growing field of anti-cancer therapeutics that target cancer cells expressing specific antigens, such as members of the HER receptor. Currently, immunoglobulins directed to HER1, better known as EGFR, and HER2 are used in the clinical management of several types of cancer. There are, however, several disadvantages associated with the production and application of immunoglobulins. Moreover, there is evidence that dual-targeting of multiple receptors at the same time is advantageous for improving clinical outcome and reducing drug resistance. Aptamers, which are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that can bind a target molecule in a similar fashion as immunoglobulins, may form, due to their physicochemical properties, a superior alternative strategy for targeted cancer therapy. In ADHERE, I will design (WP1) and investigate in vitro (WP2) and in vivo (WP3) the use of aptamer nanostructures with bispecific (against both EGFR and HER2) and multivalent (up to 4 binding ligands) targeting properties for cancer cell targeting.The 24-month research project will be executed at the department of Polymer Chemistry and Bioengineering at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. The aim of this MSCA IF fellowship is to integrate my extensive background in targeted drug delivery and cellular therapeutics within the host institute, which is highly experienced with DNA nanomaterials and is positioned among the top 10 institutes of the world in the field of material science. Importantly, this fellowship will strengthen my career perspectives, by allowing me to gain valuable new transferable skills and receive additional high-level training. This will enable me to position myself as a leading young scientist in the field of clinical nanomaterials. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacydrug resistancemedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologybreast cancermedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologycolorectal cancermedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunotherapy Keywords Nanomedicine drug targeting targeted therapeutics cancer therapy aptamer DNA nanotechnology HER2 EGFR Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF) Coordinator RIJKSUNIVERSITEIT GRONINGEN Net EU contribution € 177 598,80 Address Broerstraat 5 9712CP Groningen Netherlands See on map Region Noord-Nederland Groningen Overig Groningen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments 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 Total cost € 177 598,80
