European Commission logo
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

TRANSlating the role of Mitochondria in Tumorigenesis

Project description

Mitochondria and tumourigenesis

Cancer cells display mutations in metabolic enzymes encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. This leads to alterations in key metabolic processes, meets the increased energy demands of cancer cells and promotes their survival in the tumour microenvironment. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the TRANSMIT project aims to investigate the metabolic and epigenetic adaptation of cancer cells with a focus on mitochondria. Researchers will study different types of tumours to identify novel possible biomarkers and unveil molecular mechanisms that are involved in the reprogramming of cancer cells. Overall, TRANSMIT will train early-stage researchers to bridge basic research with therapeutic strategies and communicate these advancements to patients and their families.

Objective

The consolidation of the knowledge that cancer is not only a genetic, but also a metabolic disease, has led scientists to investigate the intricate metabolic plasticity that transformed cells must undergo to survive the adverse tumor microenvironment conditions, and the contribution of oncogenes and tumor suppressors in shaping metabolism. In this scenario, genetic, biochemical and clinical evidences place mitochondria as key actors in cancer metabolic restructuring, not only because these organelles have a crucial role in the energy and biosynthetic intermediates production but also because occurrence of mutations in metabolic enzymes encoded by both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA has been associated to different types of cancer. TRANSMIT aims to dissect the metabolic remodeling in human cancers, placing the focus on the role of mitochondria and bridging basic research to the improvement/development of therapeutic strategies. Further, TRANSMIT fosters the communication of this emerging field to the patients and their families. To these aims, TRANSMIT will create a network of seven different countries, among which world-leading basic science and clinical centers of excellence, several industrial partners with up-to-date omics technologies, as well as non-profit foundations and associations who care for cancer patients. By creating the critical mass of scientific excellence, TRANSMIT will allow to transfer the current knowledge into the wide field of cancer research, translating scientific and technical advances into the education and training of eleven Early Stage Researchers. TRANSMIT will implement training-through-research dedicated to unravel the metabolic features of cancer, as well as to provide a full portfolio of complementary skills through the creation of a network of basic, translational and industrial laboratories, devoted to a multidisciplinary/multisectorial education of young scientists.

Coordinator

ALMA MATER STUDIORUM - UNIVERSITA DI BOLOGNA
Net EU contribution
€ 516 122,64
Address
VIA ZAMBONI 33
40126 Bologna
Italy

See on map

Region
Nord-Est Emilia-Romagna Bologna
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 516 122,64

Participants (9)

Partners (4)