Summary
We have recently identified metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) in several types of tumors (Nature, 2017)1.
Intriguingly, MICs: (i) are exclusive in their ability to generate metastases when transplanted; (ii) express the
fatty acid channel CD36 and have a unique lipid metabolic signature; (iii) are exquisitely sensitive to the
levels of fat in circulation, thus providing a link between the predisposition of metastasis and dietary fat; (iv)
are highly sensitive to CD36 inhibition, which almost completely abolishes their metastatic potential.
We still do not know how MICs promote metastasis or how MICs are influenced by dietary fat. In
particular: (A) where are MICs located within the tumor, and does this location influence their behavior?
How and where do they attach and expand at metastatic sites? (B) Why are MICs so sensitive to specific
dietary lipids, and how do these lipids promote metastasis at the molecular and cellular levels? (C) Is the
prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet a risk factor for developing metastatic tumors? If so, what are the
underlying genetic and epigenetic causes for this effect? Can we revert these causes?
To answer these questions, we will combine state-of-the-art in vivo functional models of metastasis, with
quantitative metabolomics and proteomics, epigenetic and geographical position (3D) single-cell
transcriptomic studies, as well as integrative computational analyses, using preclinical models and patientderived
carcinomas of melanoma, oral cancer and breast cancer.
We expect our project to provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, and how they are
influenced by diet. This is highly relevant as 1) large quantities of fatty acids are typically consumed in
Western diets; and 2) metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. We also tackle a timely
medical unmet need by exploring the therapeutic anti-metastatic potential of targeting fatty acid metabolism
in cancer patients.
Intriguingly, MICs: (i) are exclusive in their ability to generate metastases when transplanted; (ii) express the
fatty acid channel CD36 and have a unique lipid metabolic signature; (iii) are exquisitely sensitive to the
levels of fat in circulation, thus providing a link between the predisposition of metastasis and dietary fat; (iv)
are highly sensitive to CD36 inhibition, which almost completely abolishes their metastatic potential.
We still do not know how MICs promote metastasis or how MICs are influenced by dietary fat. In
particular: (A) where are MICs located within the tumor, and does this location influence their behavior?
How and where do they attach and expand at metastatic sites? (B) Why are MICs so sensitive to specific
dietary lipids, and how do these lipids promote metastasis at the molecular and cellular levels? (C) Is the
prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet a risk factor for developing metastatic tumors? If so, what are the
underlying genetic and epigenetic causes for this effect? Can we revert these causes?
To answer these questions, we will combine state-of-the-art in vivo functional models of metastasis, with
quantitative metabolomics and proteomics, epigenetic and geographical position (3D) single-cell
transcriptomic studies, as well as integrative computational analyses, using preclinical models and patientderived
carcinomas of melanoma, oral cancer and breast cancer.
We expect our project to provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, and how they are
influenced by diet. This is highly relevant as 1) large quantities of fatty acids are typically consumed in
Western diets; and 2) metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. We also tackle a timely
medical unmet need by exploring the therapeutic anti-metastatic potential of targeting fatty acid metabolism
in cancer patients.
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More information & hyperlinks
| Web resources: | https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/787041 |
| Start date: | 01-08-2018 |
| End date: | 31-03-2024 |
| Total budget - Public funding: | 2 370 625,00 Euro - 2 370 625,00 Euro |
Cordis data
Original description
We have recently identified metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) in several types of tumors (Nature, 2017)1.Intriguingly, MICs: (i) are exclusive in their ability to generate metastases when transplanted; (ii) express the
fatty acid channel CD36 and have a unique lipid metabolic signature; (iii) are exquisitely sensitive to the
levels of fat in circulation, thus providing a link between the predisposition of metastasis and dietary fat; (iv)
are highly sensitive to CD36 inhibition, which almost completely abolishes their metastatic potential.
We still do not know how MICs promote metastasis or how MICs are influenced by dietary fat. In
particular: (A) where are MICs located within the tumor, and does this location influence their behavior?
How and where do they attach and expand at metastatic sites? (B) Why are MICs so sensitive to specific
dietary lipids, and how do these lipids promote metastasis at the molecular and cellular levels? (C) Is the
prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet a risk factor for developing metastatic tumors? If so, what are the
underlying genetic and epigenetic causes for this effect? Can we revert these causes?
To answer these questions, we will combine state-of-the-art in vivo functional models of metastasis, with
quantitative metabolomics and proteomics, epigenetic and geographical position (3D) single-cell
transcriptomic studies, as well as integrative computational analyses, using preclinical models and patientderived
carcinomas of melanoma, oral cancer and breast cancer.
We expect our project to provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, and how they are
influenced by diet. This is highly relevant as 1) large quantities of fatty acids are typically consumed in
Western diets; and 2) metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. We also tackle a timely
medical unmet need by exploring the therapeutic anti-metastatic potential of targeting fatty acid metabolism
in cancer patients.
Status
SIGNEDCall topic
ERC-2017-ADGUpdate Date
27-04-2024
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