Project description
Tracking rogue cancer cells to predict tumour progression and resistance
Tumours are not uniform masses but chaotic ecosystems composed of vastly different cells. Within a single tumour, specific cell subpopulations can often drive cancer progression, cause metastasis and resist treatments. Their identification is challenging because traditional diagnostic tools look at the tumour as a whole, masking individual cellular behaviour. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the PHENOS project will combine engineering, biology, chemistry and computational science to isolate and analyse these individual cancer cells. Researchers plan to develop the first hybrid platform that will combine microfluidic fluid channels for liquid handling, optoelectronic tweezers for non-invasive manipulation and data analysis algorithms for high-resolution phenotypic profiling. If successful, the platform will capture and track single cells with over 95 % accuracy.
Objective
Cellular populations are rich in diversity, and understanding this heterogeneity at the single-cell level is crucial in oncology, where specific subpopulations can drive tumour progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. PHENOS (“PHENOtyping targeted single-cell via integrated digital microfluidics and optoelectronic tweezerS”) addresses this challenge by introducing the first hybrid platform for targeted single-cell analysis and manipulation. The system combines digital microfluidics (DMF) for precise liquid handling, aptamer-mediated cell surface functionalization for molecular targeting, optoelectronic tweezers (OET) for non-invasive manipulation, and advanced data analysis algorithms for high-resolution phenotypic profiling.
The project is structured in four phases: (1) design and validation of DMF and OET devices, (2) integration into a hybrid opto-microfluidic platform, (3) targeted cell functionalization and longitudinal phenotyping through time-lapse imaging, and (4) development of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for classification and phenotypic stratification.
Through a comprehensive and synergistic training programme bridging engineering, biology, chemistry, and computational science, PHENOS will: (1) establish a dynamic, high-precision workflow for single-cell measurement and sorting, and (2) enhance OET sensitivity and specificity, achieving ≥95% classification accuracy, in independent experiments, with an expected 20% gain from aptamer targeting. By overcoming current limitations, PHENOS will establish a novel framework for decoding cellular heterogeneity in cancer with a decision-making process, guiding personalised treatments and improving patient outcomes, while providing me a unique multidisciplinary environment to build scientific independence and long-term leadership.
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 computer and information sciences data science
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computational science
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences artificial intelligence machine learning deep learning
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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)
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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-GF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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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.
00133 Roma
Italy
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