Exploring and exploiting cellular heterogeneity and epigenetic regulation for the interception of myeloid diseases

Projektleitung an der Vetmeduni

Grebien, Florian

Geldgeber

EU (Kommission der Europäischen Union)

Laufzeit

01.01.2021 - 31.12.2024

Abstract

Diseases of the blood affecting the myeloid lineage are on the rise in the aging European population. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is one of the most common and devastating cancers and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is the most common hematopoietic disorder of the elderly. Taken MDS and AML together, the economic burden for the European Health system surpasses 3.000 million Euros per year. Despite advances with intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the development of novel tools for a better management of these disorders and improved quality of patients’ lives is an unmet and urgent need. The regulated packaging of the genome into chromatin represents the basis of epigenetic regulation. Alterations at the level of epigenetics contribute to AML and MDS development and progression. EPIGRAM includes beneficiaries that have previously demonstrated the proof-of-concept that epigenetic regulation can be used for improving prognosis, diagnosis as well as therapy. The EPIGRAM Innovative Training Network will address the health challenge imposed by myeloid malignancies by training the next generation of European leaders. Specifically, EPIGRAM will bring together leaders from three different but highly complementary environments that are basic research, industry and clinical research. Together they will jointly train 12 early stage researchers (ESRs) through co- supervised research and a three-level training programme including training of key transferable skills. EPIGRAM will enable its ESRs to leverage insight in chromatin regulation for the development of tools for improved disease management, transferable to other diseases. Through its highly interactive and open collaborative approach EPIGRAM will help the European Community to promote healthy aging by providing human capital, establish durable links between leading organizations and cross-fertilization between sectors.