Objective
Current inhibitors of the cancer target Aurora B kinase are limited by toxicity due to poor selectivity. The SPEAK-PPI project will overcome this by developing first-in-class peptide probes that selectively target the unique protein-protein interaction (PPI) with its co-activator INCENP—an unexploited therapeutic opportunity. Using a rational, structure-guided methodology, this project will design and synthesise 'stapled peptides' to disrupt this interaction. This approach locks peptides into their bioactive conformation to enhance binding affinity, stability, and cell permeability, thus bridging cutting-edge computational design with translational drug discovery.
This fellowship is founded on a powerful synergy between the host and fellow. It merges the host's (Prof. Wilson) world-leading expertise in peptidomimetics chemistry and biophysical analysis with the fellow's (Dr. Choi) experience in structure-based drug design (SBDD) and preclinical development of mitotic kinase inhibitors. This two-way knowledge transfer creates an ideal team to deliver a validated chemical probe that will unlock Aurora B biology and establish a novel, less toxic therapeutic concept for hard-to-treat cancers. Crucially, the fellowship will provide the researcher with essential multidisciplinary training in peptide chemistry, biophysics, and drug discovery, fostering their transition to an independent research leader in academia or industry within the EU.
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 biochemistry biomolecules
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
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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-2025-PF
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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.
B15 2TT Birmingham
United Kingdom
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.