DevelOpmeNt of Cancer RNA TherapEutics (cONCReTE)

Project summary

Non-codingRNAs (ncRNAs) represent a large class of molecules that in concert regulate the expression of genes involved in the key pathways governing cancer development and progression. They represent ideal targets for personalized cancer therapies and if appropriately designed they can provide specific, non-toxic and effective therapeutic tools. The identification of novel therapeutic ncRNAs and the design of their appropriate formulation is a key aspect for their clinical applicability. RISE- cONCReTE aims to form an international and inter-sectoral network of organizations working on a joint research programme on the development of a safe ncRNA-based drug. RISE- cONCReTE teams up experts in the fields of Molecular Oncology, Epigenetics, Signal transduction, Animal models, Therapeutic delivery and Imaging, business, and education. The participants will exchange skills, knowledge and staff members that will be exposed to synergetic and complementary research environments. RISE- cONCReTE will undertake an integrated approach to reveal novels functional links between ncRNAs and oncogenic pathways. We will: a) characterize novel classes of tumor-associated ncRNAs; b) investigate the impact of ncRNAs on key aspects of tumor cell biology; c) develop cargoes (e.g. aptamers) for delivering therapeutic ncRNA derivatives into specific cancer cell types.

By using innovative in vivo imaging tools, we will monitor the accumulation of target ncRNAs in cancer cells and evaluate their biological efficacy in inhibiting the growth and spreading of malignant tumors. The resulting approaches will provide stable and effective tools thus potentially improving the quality of life (QOL) of the cancer patients. Further, the joint research and training programme of RISE- cONCReTE will be performed in academic institutions and SME to provide a unique interdisciplinary platform for scientists with a significant contribution to EU competitiveness.