TUMOURSTEMCELLS

Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of tumour stem cells in human glioblastoma

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Despite the emergence of new targeted therapies, there is still no curative treatment for many human cancers. Through the need for the best combination and solution, a new theory has suggested that cancer is as a stem cell-driven disease and a growing body of evidence has supported this hypothesis. In this context, the applicant proposes to investigate the biological function and complexity of the so called 'tumour stem cells' in the most devastating human brain cancer, i.e. glioblastoma. Cells isolated from different areas of the same tumour will be characterised at genotypic and phenotypic level. This study will increase our knowledge about brain tumour biology and will shed new lights on the function of tumour stem cells in human glioblastoma. The project will be carried out at the Department of Clinical Neurosciences of the University of Cambridge in an international and stimulating institute that is ranked first of all the UK’s top medical schools in both teaching and research and is one of the top Universities in the world. The applicant has a strong background in gene therapy, neural stem cell and brain tumours and will receive scientific and non-scientific training ranging from acquisition of novel scientific methodology for the development of the project to new skills for career development and will be encouraged to establish local and international collaborations. Complimentary activities will be provided by the University staff, the Human Resource Division and the Career Service. Considering past achievements and potential of the applicant, it is reasonable to envisage a successful post-doc career at the University of Cambridge. In this view, the Marie Curie Intra-European fellowship will substantially foster the applicant to emerge in the international community of scientists working on cancer and in the future to apply as junior group leader in the country of origin.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

There is an urgent clinical need to improve the outcome of cancer patients. European researchers investigated the hypothesis that cancer heterogeneity could be attributed to cancer stem cells.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Accumulating evidence suggests that in cancer, a small population of cells known as tumour stem cells (TSCs) are responsible for tumour growth, propagation and metastasis. Scientists believe that this theory could also explain the heterogeneity which characterises the most devastating brain cancer, glioblastoma. Although glioblastoma incidence is rare, its high rates of mortality make it among the five leading causes of cancer-related deaths.

Little is known about the potential impact of TSCs in tumour heterogeneity and emergence of therapy resistance which is often observed in glioblastoma patients. To address this issue, the EU-funded 'Molecular and cellular heterogeneity of tumour stem cells in human glioblastoma' (TUMOURSTEMCELLS) project studied the molecular and cellular properties of TSCs in human glioblastoma.

Using different areas of tumour samples from adult patients diagnosed with primary glioblastoma, scientists went on to characterise the cellular phenotype of TSCs present in these samples. They also performed molecular genetic profiling of TSCs to observe extensive genetic intra-tumour heterogeneity.

The work of the TUMOURSTEMCELLS project contributed to refine our understanding of the complex molecular landscape of glioblastoma. Given the poor survival rates of brain cancer patients, the project findings could potentially improve therapeutic strategies and bring hope to future patients.