Objective "The human gastrointestinal tract is colonized by an abundant and diverse bacterial microbiota that exist in a mutualistic relationship with the host that promotes intestinal health. Maladaptation in this host microbial dialogue leads to a deranged inflammatory response and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can progress to colon cancer. The complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors and their impact on intestinal inflammation are starting to be deciphered in IBD, however little is known about how they influence the transition from colitis to cancer. We recently established a relevant model of bacteria-driven invasive colon cancer and have mapped both genetic and immune pathways that perpetuate disease. Genetic susceptibility maps to a 1.7mb region on chromosome 3 containing the candidate gene Alpk1, an alpha-kinase. This locus mediates its effects through the IL-23 driven innate lymphoid cell response and we have identified the cytokine IL-22 as a key player in driving the tumour cell response. We will use a multi-disciplinary approach to probe the interaction between genetics, microbial drivers and inflammatory pathways that promote colon cancer. BAC transgenics and cell-type specific knock-out mice will be used to establish the function of Alpk1 in bacteria driven colon cancer. In vivo models will be complemented by novel 3D colonic organoid and crypt cultures generated from epithelial stem cells from normal or tumor tissue allowing analysis of microbial and cytokine signals that influence intestinal epithelial cell and stem cell function. Deep sequencing combined with bacterial cell culture will identify changes in the intestinal microbiota that drive tumourigenesis. Results from mouse models will be translated to analysis of human colorectal cancer. These studies will uncover new pathways involved in bacterial interaction, intestinal inflammation and tumour formation that may offer new therapeutic targets in IBD and colon cancer." Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologybacteriologymedical and health sciencesclinical medicinegastroenterologyinflammatory bowel diseasemedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologiesstem cellsmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologycolorectal cancernatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticschromosomes Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-LS6 - ERC Advanced Grant - Immunity and infection Call for proposal ERC-2013-ADG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Host institution THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD EU contribution € 2 484 620,00 Address WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Fiona M Powrie (Prof.) Administrative Contact Gill Wells (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD United Kingdom EU contribution € 2 484 620,00 Address WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES OX1 2JD Oxford See on map Region South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Principal investigator Fiona M Powrie (Prof.) Administrative Contact Gill Wells (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data