Objective
Cancers develop because they acquire changes (mutations) in a specific set of genes that promote their growth. Different mutations are associated with cancer aggressiveness, patient prognosis and/or the response to treatment. Although these mutations can usually be detected by extracting DNA from tumour specimens, this provides incomplete information because it is common for mutations not to occur in every cell that makes up the cancer. In a number of research and clinical settings, it is of great use to learn which regions or cells within a cancer carry a particular mutation. To do this, we need to detect mutations in space by examining sections of tissue. There are several potential benefits, including sensitive detection of cancer cells that have been left behind after operation or that will cause relapse after treatment. Here, we shall develop a method to detect mutations in situ in cancer specimens. The INSITUMUT technique uses molecular probes that are specific to mutations in cancer genes and bind to RNA expressed from those genes. We have piloted the method successfully in collaboration with Advanced Cellular Diagnostics Inc., sensitively identifying cancer cells that have acquired specific mutations in the oncogene KRAS and specifically distinguishing them from cells and cancers with normal KRAS. Before making the method available, our workplan in this proposal involves determining probe sensitivity and specificity more accurately, expanding the range of cancer-causing mutations that are detected, developing methods for simultaneous detection of multiple mutations, extending the technique as far as possible to detection of mutations in DNA, and automating the mutation detection process. Subject to technical feasibility and commercial assessments, we shall disseminate the INSITUMUT method to non-profit sectors on a cost recovery basis, and make it generally available as a commercial service in partnership with SME partner Oxford Cancer Biomarkers.
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 DNA
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA
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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-POC - Proof of Concept 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-PoC
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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.
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
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.