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Uncovering the origin and mechanisms of Down syndrome-associated leukaemia through human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived haemopoiesis

Objective

This project aims at dissecting the contribution of yolk sac (YS)-derived haemopoietic progenitors to childhood leukaemias, whose early onset suggests an embryonic origin. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) differentiation, we will determine the origin of the Down syndrome-associated transient myeloproliferative disease (DS-TMD), paradigmatic example of perinatal malignancy. TMD, due to megakaryoblast hyperproliferation, has an in utero origin. This supports the compelling hypothesis of a haemopoietic stem cell (HSC)-independent origin of DS-TMD, as during embryogenesis there are at least 3 waves of progenitors with megakaryocytic potential. A first primitive program, followed by the erythromyeloid progenitors (EMP), both YS-derived and devoid of HSC potential; lastly a definitive program, generating HSCs and all haemopoietic lineages. By differentiating iPSCs from a DS-TMD patient through recapitulation of embryonic development, we will interrogate the contribution of primitive, EMP and definitive haemopoiesis to DS-TMD with in vitro/in vivo functional assays. Moreover, we will investigate the molecular mechanisms triggering the disease. As mutations leading to a short GATA1 isoform occur in all cases of DS-TMD, we will analyse how this affects the transcriptional landscape of the cells relevant to the disease. We hypothesise that DS-TMD derives from a rarely appreciated developmental program (the EMP), whose life-long contribution is only beginning to be elucidated. Determining the developmental source and mechanisms of this disorder could help designing new therapies for myeloid malignancies in non-DS patients and could lead to a paradigm shift in the field of haemopoiesis and leukaemogenesis. Research on cancer and childhood leukemias is of broad interest for the EC, as shown by the extensive funding of projects on this topic within the FP7. Our project will further nurture this research area, contributing to increasing European research competitiveness.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF-EF-SE - Society and Enterprise panel

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017

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Coordinator

OSPEDALE SAN RAFFAELE SRL
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.

€ 168 277,20
Address
VIA OLGETTINA 60
20132 Milano
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Lombardia Milano
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding 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.

€ 168 277,20
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