Project description
Modelling the melanoma microenvironment
The tumour microenvironment (TME) constitutes a complex and dynamic ecosystem of different cell types and extracellular matrix with an emerging role in cancer progression and metastasis. At the same time, the TME poses a barrier to the efficient delivery of drugs, contributing to treatment resistance. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MATRIx project focuses on melanoma and aims to develop a 3D tumour-on-a-chip model using patient-derived xenografts. This innovative platform significantly improves on existing technology and facilitates dynamic co-culture, vascularisation and real-time monitoring. The goal is to bridge tumour biology with nanotechnology and use the MATRIx model to develop personalised nanomedicine strategies for melanoma.
Objective
The MATRIx aims to develop a 3D melanoma tumor model on a chip (ToC) using patient-derived xenograft technology, which mimics the natural tumor microenvironment (TME) to enhance nanoparticle (NP) delivery to the tumor site and enable personalized treatment.
In Western countries, melanoma is considered one of the most widespread cancers. Due to its aggressive nature and resistance to drugs, melanoma is the subject of extensive research aimed at creating more effective medications. The clinical translation of nanomedicine for cancer therapy has been hindered by a lack of knowledge regarding the TME, mechanisms of NP uptake and transfer, technical limitations for model implementation, and individual variations in phenotype. ToC modeling is an indispensable tool in cancer research providing a 3D dynamic environment with regulated fluid flow and shear stress, co-culturing, vascularization, easy operation and readout method, and time and cost saving in contrast to other cancer models. in addition, ToC provides high-throughput screening of nanomedicines, susceptibility, and resistance of cancer cells against drugs, allowing personalized therapy for patients with low cost and high reproducibility.
Development of NPs based on patient’s melanoma TME response to active targeting NPs is the focus of MATRIx which will be implemented for the first time. My project's key deliverables will consist of identifying key players of TME around NP extravasation and enhancing NP retention at the tumor site. This initiative will aid in the development of more effective personalized cancer treatment strategies and will be of considerable interest to both academic and industrial sectors. MATRIx also fills my knowledge gaps. Following MATRIX conclusion, I will establish myself as a leader in the field of NP development, alongside tumor modeling on chip technology. I will receive advanced training skills to equip myself for conducting independent research and securing a permanent academic role.
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.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology skin cancer melanoma
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology nanomedicine
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01
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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.
20133 Milano
Italy
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.