Objective
We have recently identified metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) in several types of tumors (Nature, 2017)1.
Intriguingly, MICs: (i) are exclusive in their ability to generate metastases when transplanted; (ii) express the
fatty acid channel CD36 and have a unique lipid metabolic signature; (iii) are exquisitely sensitive to the
levels of fat in circulation, thus providing a link between the predisposition of metastasis and dietary fat; (iv)
are highly sensitive to CD36 inhibition, which almost completely abolishes their metastatic potential.
We still do not know how MICs promote metastasis or how MICs are influenced by dietary fat. In
particular: (A) where are MICs located within the tumor, and does this location influence their behavior?
How and where do they attach and expand at metastatic sites? (B) Why are MICs so sensitive to specific
dietary lipids, and how do these lipids promote metastasis at the molecular and cellular levels? (C) Is the
prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet a risk factor for developing metastatic tumors? If so, what are the
underlying genetic and epigenetic causes for this effect? Can we revert these causes?
To answer these questions, we will combine state-of-the-art in vivo functional models of metastasis, with
quantitative metabolomics and proteomics, epigenetic and geographical position (3D) single-cell
transcriptomic studies, as well as integrative computational analyses, using preclinical models and patientderived
carcinomas of melanoma, oral cancer and breast cancer.
We expect our project to provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, and how they are
influenced by diet. This is highly relevant as 1) large quantities of fatty acids are typically consumed in
Western diets; and 2) metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. We also tackle a timely
medical unmet need by exploring the therapeutic anti-metastatic potential of targeting fatty acid metabolism
in cancer patients.
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 biochemistry biomolecules proteins proteomics
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology skin cancer melanoma
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- medical and health sciences health sciences nutrition
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.
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-ADG - Advanced 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-2017-ADG
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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.
08028 BARCELONA
Spain
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.