Objective
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a group of hematologic malignancies which, due to their molecular and clinical heterogeneity, have been traditionally difficult to classify and treat. Recently, next-generation, whole-genome sequencing has uncovered several recurrent somatic mutations that better define the landscape of AML genomics. Despite these advances in deciphering AML molecular subsets, there have been no concurrent improvements in AML therapy which still relies on the ‘antracycline+cytarabine’ scheme. Hereto, only about 40-50% of adult young patients are cured whilst most of the elderly succumb to their disease. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches which would take advantage of the new discoveries are clearly needed. In the past years, we discovered and characterized nucleophosmin (NPM1) mutations as the most frequent genetic alteration (about 30%) in AML, and today NPM1-mutated AML is a new entity in the WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms. However, mechanisms of leukemogenesis and a specific therapy for this leukemia are missing. Here, I aim to unravel the complex network of molecular interactions that take place in this distinct genetic subtype, and find their vulnerabilities to identify new targets for therapy. To address this issue, I will avail of relevant pre-clinical models developed in our laboratories and propose two complementary strategies: 1) a screening-based approach, focused either on the target, by analyzing synthetic lethal interactions through CRISPR-based genome-wide interference, or on the drug, by high-throughput chemical libraries screenings; 2) a hypothesis-driven approach, based on our recent gained novel insights on the role of specific intracellular pathways/genes in NPM1-mutated AML and on pharmacological studies with ‘old’ drugs, which we have revisited in the specific AML genetic context. I expect our discoveries will lead to find novel therapeutic approaches and make clinical trials available to patients as soon as possible.
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.
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology leukemia
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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.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant
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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) ERC-2016-COG
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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.
06123 Perugia
Italy
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.