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Targeting epigenetic demethylases: development of covalent inhibitors and PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras).

Objective

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in phenotype that does not involve changes in the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications are partly inherited, but unlike the genome itself, are cell specific, plastic, and its mechanisms are affected by different factors and processes such as aging, environmental factors or the use of drugs. The epigenetic changes are the result of epigenetic tags (chemical tags) that can determine gene expression. There are two main types of epigenetic modifications: DNA methylation and histone modifications. Many diseases such as cancer, inflammation, neurological and cardiovascular diseases can be related to aberrant histone modification patterns. Since Histone modifications are mainly carried out by three types of proteins (writers, readers and erasers) there is great therapeutic interest in these proteins, since they may influence disease onset and progression. However, the identification of potent and selective inhibitors is challenging due to structural similarities between individual domains of the ‘epigenetic’ proteins.
Histone demethylases and methyl transferases, dynamically regulate the histone methylation levels. Removal of methyl groups from methylated lysines on histone tails is catalyzed by lysine demethylases (KDMs) in a sequence- and methylation-state dependent manner. Among the different KDMs, the JmjC-domain containing KDMs are Fe(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent oxygenases. Despite some KDM inhibitors have been reported, achieving selectivity remains a major challenge. In order to achieve the required selectivity, two different approaches are considered in the current proposal: 1) development of covalent inhibitors with specific residues of certain KDMs and 2) development of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) to control intracellular protein levels by recruiting the KDMs to E3 ligases to induce their ubiquitination and subsequent proteasome mediated degradation.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2016

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Coordinator

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution

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.

€ 183 454,80
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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.

€ 183 454,80
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