Project description
Innovative sensors of microRNA biomarkers
MicroRNAs are key regulators of gene expression and hence are emerging as powerful biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. However, there is a need for more sensitive methods to detect microRNAs in liquid biopsies. To address this problem, the EU-funded MoP-MiP project proposes to develop molecular programming methodologies that employ artificial DNA reaction networks as biosensors. This innovative approach is expected to aid in the detection of multiple microRNAs at the same time, portraying a particular signature that can be associated with disease. Importantly, it has the power to screen large populations and monitor in real-time the response to treatment.
Objective
MicroRNAs, a class of transcript responsible for the fine regulation of gene expression, are emerging as promising biomarkers for cancer monitoring (diagnostic, prognostic and prediction of therapy response. The concentration profiling of stably present microRNAs from liquid biopsies represents a hopeful opportunity to fight these diseases, enabling large population screening for early cancer appearance and monitoring in real-time the treatment response. However, current microRNA detection methods do not meet performances in term of sensitivity, multiplexing and practicability to bring microRNA signatures in the front line of clinical applications.
The objective of this research proposal is to develop novel approaches for microRNA profiling using concepts of molecular programming (MP). MP deals with the design of artificial DNA reaction networks capable of information-processing, including complex biosensing tasks. The team will investigate two major strategies: 1) the development of a digital and multiplex assay (Digiplex), where each microRNA is accurately quantified independently at the single molecule level using target-specific molecular program; 2) the exploration of molecular neural network (MolNNet) for concentration pattern recognition. It involves the conception of sophisticated molecular program architectures performing the integration of multiple microRNA concentrations, signal processing and reporting of the sample type (e.g. healthy or diseased).
This project is highly interdisciplinary, gathering expertise in DNA nanotechnology, microfluidics, surface chemistry and machine learning. The expected outcomes include the advance of cutting-edge microRNA quantification technology combining single-molecule amplification with a multiplex readout (up to 100 targets). On the long term, the exploration of in moleculo neural networks is foreseen to trigger a whole new field of research, providing a ground-breaking approach for molecular diagnostics.
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 physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- engineering and technology environmental biotechnology biosensing
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics DNA
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
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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)
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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
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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-STG - Starting 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-2020-STG
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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.
75794 PARIS
France
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.