Project description
The role of metabolism in somatic mutagenesis and cancer initiation
The accumulation of genetic mutations in specific driver genes in somatic cells may lead to malignant transformation. The aim of the EU-funded SoMuKT project is to understand the causes underlying this phenomenon and the rate at which mutations accumulate. Using a model for the detection of somatic mutations in normal cells, researchers have observed that proximal tubule cells in the kidney nephron show a unique mutation pattern. Based on these findings, they plan to perturb the metabolic homeostasis of the kidney to investigate if endogenously produced genotoxic compounds such as ammonia are responsible for somatic mutagenesis. Results will provide fundamental knowledge on the role of metabolism in genomic damage and cancer, with important clinical implications.
Objective
An important factor favoring cancer initiation is the lifelong accumulation of somatic mutations in the genome. In agreement, somatic mutations in a specific set of driver genes has been shown to drive the transition from a healthy cell to a tumorigenic clone in the kidney. The vast majority of kidney tumors originate from a specific segment of the kidney nephron, named proximal tubule (PT). However, the rate of somatic mutation accumulation before tumorigenic transformation in the kidney PT and the causes underlying this phenomenon are unexplored.
Somatic mutation data can be used as a footprint to track the mutational processes that occurred in a specific cell during an individual´s lifetime. I established a protocol for reliable detection of somatic mutations in non-cancer human cells. I obtained whole genome data from clonally expanded single cells from skeletal muscle, kidney, fat and skin of healthy donors. My preliminary data point to an increased rate of somatic mutation accumulation during adult life in kidney PT compared to other kidney and non-kidney cells. PT cells showed a unique mutation pattern and distribution that enhances the chances of acquiring a driver mutation and tumorigenic traits.
The very homogeneous pattern of somatic mutations in PT cells leads me to the hypothesis that the kidney PT is exposed to genotoxic compounds that are endogenously produced during physiological cellular activities. In particular, my data point to specific metabolic pathways, including 1) ammonia production, 2) aminoacid metabolism /reabsorption from the urine and 3) response to hypoxia. I will use cellular models to perturb the metabolic homeostasis of the kidney PT and test the effect on somatic mutagenesis and underlining mechanisms. My project will shed light on a mostly unexplored topic: how cellular metabolism can damage the genome over time and may have important implications for tumor prevention.
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 mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics genomes
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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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.
20132 Milano
Italy
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