Target-Melanoma: Molecular Dissection of Melanoma Progression: An Integrated Pan-European Approach
Research Areas
At a Glance
- Status: Completed Consortium
- Year Launched: 2009
- Initiating Organization: European Commission Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
- Initiator Type: Government
- Disease focus:
Melanoma - Location: Europe
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive and deadliest forms of cancer, characterized by early metastasis (or spreading of the disease), bad prognosis, and poor survival. Unfortunately, the incidence of melanoma is increasing each year, with little improvement in respect to treatment for metastatic disease, which generally fails to respond to conventional chemotherapy. In this Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways (IAPP) project, Target-Melanoma, the aim is to investigate the molecular basis underlying this difficult-to-treat disease, focusing on the discovery of new biomarkers (i.e., indicators) or potential targets for therapy.
Mission
Target-Melanoma involves collaboration between seven partners across five European Union countries, including five academic institutions and two small/medium enterprises (SMEs). This Marie Curie IAPP program facilitates transfer of technological and intellectual expertise between the academic and industrial sectors. The project will fund both secondments and recruitments among the seven partners.
There are three main work areas: (1) identification of differential DNA methylation in melanoma progression, (2) expression analysis of biomarkers using tissue microarrays (TMAs) and automated analysis, and (3) in-vitro functional interrogation of biomarkers and to develop new in-vitro assays. OncoMark's role in the project is to create melanoma TMAs, perform immunohistochemistry for potential biomarkers, create digital slides, and perform automated image analysis.
This project is a wide-ranging project to investigate several areas of melanoma biology and advanced biomedical research technology. Specifically, the academic groups bring expertise in relation to the study of melanoma progression and epigenetic mechanisms. In addition, they will be providing access to tumor samples, which will be used throughout the project. The SMEs are providing access to and training in advanced technologies, and this project will allow them to expand into the cancer/melanoma area.
Financing
A Marie Curie Industry-Academia Partnerships and Pathways funded program.
Homepage |
Prof. William Gallagher,
School of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science,
Conway Institute,
University College Dublin,
Dublin
T: +353-1-716-6743
F: +353-1-283-7211
Email: william.gallagher@ucd.ie
Webpage: www.ucd.ie
Sponsors & Partners
University College Dublin |
Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge |
University of Maastricht |
University of Leuven |
Uppsala University |
Cellix Ltd. |
OncoMark Ltd. |