Objective
Brain tumours represent a formidable therapeutic challenge. A major obstacle to effective treatment is the fact that many tumours readily invade normal brain preventing complete surgical resection leading to inevitable tumour recurrence. It is difficult to predict invasive potential of individual tumours, there are no drugs currently available that specifically target invading tumour cells, and there is a lack of efficacious models of tumour invasion. In collaboration with colleagues in the USA I have been involved in the development of a novel in vitro migration assay based on the use of 3D nanofiber scaffolds that stimulate brain tumour cell migration, which we recently used for gene expression profiling to identify novel signaling pathways involved in invasion of the most agressive brain tumour, glioblastoma multiforme.
Here, we will further develop this model in three ways. First, we will address the mechanisms involved in glioblastoma migration by profiling microRNA alterations in nanofiber migration assays. After validation of altered microRNAs, their effects on cell migration will be determined in the nanofiber assay, and relevant targets will be identified. The long-term goal of this aim is to identify novel anti-invasive therapeutic approaches. Second, we will investigate the potential of 3D nanofiber scaffolds as diagnostic tools, that may be used to predict the invasive potential of various patient brain tumours. This will be done using patient samples obtained from brain tumour surgeries at Leeds General Infirmary. Invasive potential of tumour biopsies will be determined in the nanofiber assay, and compared with patient progress over time. If there are indications of efficacy, funding will be sought elsewhere to carry out broader trials on large numbers of patients. Such a tool may prove invaluable for clinical decision making. Finally, we will determine the potential of the assay for future high throughput screens.
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 surgery
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics RNA transcriptomes
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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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG
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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.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
LS2 9JT Leeds
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.