EURopean Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy

Objective

The overarching objective of EURECA - The European Epitranscriptomics of Cancer Academy, is to train young doctoral candidates into excellence at the frontiers of basic and translational research by exploiting the cancer epitranscriptome to answer unmet clinical needs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics and to drive change through knowledge and research. Epitranscriptomics is a new science field that studies RNA modifications (epitranscriptomic marks) and their function in regulation of gene expression. It is long known that many different RNA modifications exist. Yet, the true dimensions of the epitranscriptome were unveiled only in the last decade. It is now evident that RNA modifications affect the stability, function, subcellular localization and even immunogenicity of RNA to modulate essential cell programs like cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress response. Pathological changes in the epitranscriptome are seen as a new cancer hallmark: an independent mode of genetic reprogramming shaping cancer’s cell fate. We thus foresee that the epitranscriptome will prove to be a fundamental layer of gene regulation amenable to the clinics as a valuable tool in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. Focusing on RNA methylation and RNA editing in three different cancers, EURECA’s doctoral candidates will investigate the commonalities and differences in the epitranscriptomic landscape and underlying mechanisms, while searching for novel biomarkers and treatment strategies to combat cancer and while expanding the epitranscriptomics toolbox. The candidates will join a purposely established European network of outstanding academic groups and innovative biotech companies devoted to advancing the fundamental knowledge of RNA modifications and its translation to innovative solutions for patient care. The EURECA Doctoral Network is the first European effort to challenge the uncharted territory of the epitranscriptome for the benefit of cancer patients.