Targeting cancer stem cells in high-grade brain tumours

Relapse is a major concern in cancer therapy. Cancer stem cells have emerged as the major driving force governing tumour recurrence. Designing treatments that specifically target the cancer stem cells and not the normal stem cells is a major challenge.

The aim of this proposal is to increase the survival of patients with central nervous system tumours while decreasing side-effects from treatment.

The specific aims are:(1) To identify genes involved in the development/progression of paediatric brain tumours(2) To determine the role of the identified candidates and identify drugs that targets them(3) To validate the role of the identified candidates in vivo and test the efficacy of specific drugs We will use primary cancer stem cell cultures established from paediatric brain tumours and xenograft mouse models for our analyses.

Methods used in the project include CRISPR/Cas9 manipulation of the genome, next-generation sequencing of DNA, DNA methylation, RNA, miRNA, chromatin accessibility, immunocytochemistry and cell cycle analysis.

The unique model systems developed by the applicant, expertise in methods and key team members and collaborators certify the successful completion of the project.

The applicant’s strong record at performing science that have impacted and implemented new avenues for clinical diagnostics will be a solid basis for translating the findings into new opportunities for improved therapy.