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EURopean Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy

Project description

First European network on epitranscriptomics

Cancer remains one of the most pressing health challenges, thus the need for better tools to diagnose, predict outcomes and treat the disease. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the EURECA project will focus on an emerging field called epitranscriptomics that studies how chemical modifications to RNA influence gene activity. These RNA changes can affect cell behaviour and are thus viewed as an independent mode of genetic reprogramming shaping cancer’s cell fate. EURECA will train young researchers to explore RNA modifications in three types of cancer, aiming to uncover new biomarkers and treatments.

Objective

The overarching objective of EURECA - The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy, is to train young doctoral candidates
into excellence at the frontiers of basic and translational research by exploiting the cancer epitranscriptome to answer unmet clinical
needs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics and to drive change through knowledge and research.
Epitranscriptomics is a new science field that studies RNA modifications (epitranscriptomic marks) and their function in regulation of
gene expression. It is long known that many different RNA modifications exist. Yet, the true dimensions of the epitranscriptome were
unveiled only in the last decade. It is now evident that RNA modifications affect the stability, function, subcellular localization and
even immunogenicity of RNA to modulate essential cell programs like cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress response.
Pathological changes in the epitranscriptome are seen as a new cancer hallmark: an independent mode of genetic reprogramming
shaping cancer’s cell fate. We thus foresee that the epitranscriptome will prove to be a fundamental layer of gene regulation
amenable to the clinics as a valuable tool in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
Focusing on RNA methylation and RNA editing in three different cancers, EURECA’s doctoral candidates will investigate the
commonalities and differences in the epitranscriptomic landscape and underlying mechanisms, while searching for novel biomarkers
and treatment strategies to combat cancer and while expanding the epitranscriptomics toolbox. The candidates will join a purposely
established European network of outstanding academic groups and innovative biotech companies devoted to advancing the
fundamental knowledge of RNA modifications and its translation to innovative solutions for patient care. The EURECA Doctoral
Network is the first European effort to challenge the uncharted territory of the epitranscriptome for the benefit of cancer patients.

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Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-DN-01

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Coordinator

ERASMUS UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM ROTTERDAM
Net EU contribution
€ 610 571,52
Address
DR MOLEWATERPLEIN 40
3015 GD Rotterdam
Netherlands
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (12)

Partners (6)