Project description
3D model for targeted pancreatic cancer therapy
The tumour extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of proteins and glycoproteins that offers structural support to and promotes tumour growth. Alterations in the ECM can influence tumour behaviour, including invasion and resistance to therapy. Therefore, accurately mimicking the tumour ECM is crucial for understanding malignant transformation. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PancmiR project aims to create a 3D pancreatic cancer model and replicate the tumour ECM through a collagen-based scaffold. The study will focus on the KRAS oncogene, which is frequently mutated in pancreatic cancer. Researchers will test the delivery of specific microRNAs to downregulate KRAS as a therapeutic strategy.
Objective
Pancreatic tumours are among the most aggressive, and are associated with the lowest survival rates. The main reason of this is their characteristic dense fibrotic stroma, which creates a perfect environment to promote cancer progression. To accurately mimic the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) is challenging, but is essential to understanding the interaction that occurs during malignant transformation. KRAS mutation is the most frequent alteration in pancreatic cancer. Micro(mi)RNA-143-3p and miRNA-216b have been shown to decrease KRAS gene expression and suppress tumour cell growth. My overarching Aim is to generate a 3D model of pancreatic cancer in which I can test the ability of a miRNA-activated scaffold to suppress tumour growth and facilitate local delivery of miRNA (miRNA-143-3p and miRNA-216b) that downregulate KRAS expression. Prof. Fergal O’Brien’s group in Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland has an extensive experience with development of biomimetic scaffolds to recreate the tumoural ECM and activating scaffolds to release therapeutic molecules (e.g. miRNAs). Using techniques established in his group, I will develop a 3D collagen-based scaffold that recreates the structure of pancreatic tumour ECM and then utilise this form as miRNA-activated scaffolds that will be used as local delivery systems in a radical new treatment for this disease. I will be supervised by Prof. O’Brien, and he will guide my Career Development Plan. I will develop complementary skills in project management, leadership, entrepreneurship, commercialisation, dissemination, and profile enhancement. Acquiring advanced research competences and complementary skills, I will maturate as an independent scientist, enhancing my professional visibility, capacity, and competitiveness in the field of biomaterials. This Fellowship will significantly contribute to the achievement of my long-term career goal, which is becoming an independent scientist leading my own biomaterials research group.
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.
- social sciences economics and business business and management entrepreneurship
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- engineering and technology industrial biotechnology biomaterials
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
-
HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
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) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
D02 YN77 DUBLIN 2
Ireland
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.