Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Breast cancer stem-like cells specific vulnerabilities: focus in HER2 over-expression and protein glycosylation

Objective

Breast cancer is the most common cause of female cancer death in Europe, hence it is urgent finding alternative treatments. A small population of cells that display stem cell characteristics has been described in breast cancer (BCSC) and linked to tumour progression, resistance to treatment and metastasis. New therapeutic approaches propose the use of stem cell targeting agents in combination with traditional chemotherapy. However, selective targeting of BCSC is still challenging as they are very similar to normal stem cells. Here, I propose to probe two characteristics that may be specific of BCSC: HER2 over-expression and altered protein glycosylation. I will use state-of-the-art technologies including the standardization of a new protocol to isolate Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) from blood, and the generation of a library of CRISPRs targeting all the genes related with protein glycosylation.
After six years of postdoctoral stage in New York, I have wide experience in RNAi screens valuable for the library development. Supervised by Prof. Elliott at Newcastle University, I aim to learn the insights of protein glycosylation in cancer. The identification of BCSC specific vulnerabilities has important clinical implications as they represent outstanding candidates for new targeted therapies. Importantly, HER2 and protein glycosylation are mainly located in the surface of the cells, being accessible to targeting agents. The accomplishment of the proposal will contribute to my development as an independent researcher since I will: 1) gain knowledge in BCSC and protein glycosylation, fields with multiple functional implications; 2) generate data to use in my future projects, including a list of targeted therapies candidates; 3) standardize a method for isolating CTCs to further study breast cancer metastasis; 4) learn to use CRISPR libraries and generate a library with multiple applications; and 5) be trained and guided in the transition to a full autonomous position.

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.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Keywords

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.

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.

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.

MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

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

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
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.

€ 195 454,80
Address
KINGS GATE
NE1 7RU Newcastle Upon Tyne
United Kingdom

See on map

Region
North East (England) Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Tyneside
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
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.

€ 195 454,80
My booklet 0 0