Mr B Nilsson
No more applications being accepted
About the Project
This project aims to identify new therapeutic targets on the cell surface of leukemia stem cells. By developing antibodies directed towards these candidate therapeutic targets and test them in preclinical models, the project will provide proof of concept for therapeutic efficacy in leukemia.
Background:
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a fatal disorder with a five-years survival of around 25%. The reason AML often relapses after initial remissions following treatments has been attributed to the AML stem cells, which show resistance to conventional cancer therapies. Thus, new therapeutic approaches targeting AML stem cells are needed.
Aim of the project:
The overall aim of this project is to use state-of-the-art screening strategies to identify novel therapeutic targets on AML stem cells, and to provide proof of concept for therapeutic effect by targeting leukemia stem cells using antibodies in preclinical models.
Project description:
By using the CRISPR/Cas9-technology and transgenic mouse models, the PhD student will search for cell surface proteins critical for the growth and survival of leukemia stem cells. The expression pattern of the identified cell surface proteins in AML stem cell-enriched cell populations will be investigated using multi-parameter flow cytometry. Finally, the biological roles and therapeutic potential of targeting the identified cell surface molecules will be investigated using leukemia mouse models.
Significance:
The proposed studies represent novel and innovative approaches to identify new therapeutic cell surface targets in AML and expand our knowledge regarding cell surface molecules regulating AML stem cells. Moreover, the project will provide proof of concept for therapeutic effect by targeting AML stem cells, findings that may translate into new therapeutic opportunities in AML, a disease associated with dismal prognosis.
Application details:
This project is part of the CanFaster program. You can apply to all 16 projects, but in the application process you will be asked to rank your top three projects. For more information visit the CanFaster page: http://www.createhealth.lth.se/research/canfaster/
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