HOPE PROJECT
HOPE aims to validate the gene B-MYB as a target for lung cancer (LC) and develop a new therapy based in an aptamer conjugate to select this gene, under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. HOPE will be pioneer in the discovery of new targets and therapies to the assessment of patients with LC, potencially impacting its stratification, aplication of new therapies and identification of risks.
Ref: COMPETE2030-FEDER-0878200
TEAM
HOPE benefits from a multidisciplinary team composed by researchers and PhD students with different backgrounds, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biology, Medicine, Veterinary Sciences and a company Labfit-HPRD.
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
HOPE OBJECTIVES
The project HOPE has the following objectives:
1 – Validation of G4 B-MYB formation in LC cells and B-MYB expression in human biopsies;
2 – In vitro selection and scale-up production of L-RNA aptamers against G4 structures of the B-MYB promoter region;
3 – Synthesis of cell-penetrating peptides/aptamer conjugates;
4 – In vitro evaluation of nano-conjugates in 2D and 3D bioprinted lung tumor models;
5 – Safety and quality tests of L-RNA aptamers-peptide conjugates.
HOPE TASKS
The project HOPE has the following tasks:
1 – Validation of G4 B-MYB formation in LC cell lines and non-cancerous cell lines, and B-MYB expression in human biopsies obtained from respiratory mucus samples and transbronchial, transthoracic, thoracoscopy and thoracotomy procedures;
2 – Identification of L-RNA aptamers using G4-SELEX-Seq methodology for their amplification and characterisation using biophysical techniques;
3 – Synthesis of cell-penetrating peptides/aptamer conjugates such as TAT and penetratin by click chemistry;
4 – Assessment of the efficacy of nano-conjugates in 2D and 3D bioprinted lung tumour models;
5 – Safety and quality tests of L-RNA aptamer-peptide conjugates in animal models;
6 – Promotion and dissemination of results via national or international channels.
PROJECT WORKFLOW
HOPE UPDATES
Cell culturing and upkeep
