Nanoresistance
Management of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors with Advanced Nanosystems

Summary

Combining complementarty emerging supra-disciplinary technologies in nano-biotechnology NANORESISTANCE introduces for the first time (i) receptor independent targeting of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-kinase activity (ii) nuclear delivery of anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor therapy and (iii) the deciphering of resistance and lack of responsiveness in the preclinical setting with mathematical models of interstitial biodistribution. This work defines an unprecedented integrated approach for the comprehensive management of failure to anti-EGFR therapy and treatment monitoring. The inter-sectoral mobility between academia and industry will be a priority as a means to improve cooperation between the two sectors and to eliminate cultural and other mobility barriers in the context of the “Innovation Union” flagship initiative. The vibrant inter-sectoral mobility program of NANORESISTANCE will play a structuring role by allowing researchers to acquire key skills which are equally relevant to the public and private sectors including, but not limited to, (a) cutting edge nanobiotechnology techniques for fabrication of nanotheranostic conjugates for targeted nuclear drug delivery and imaging, (b) pioneering approaches for intracellular targeting with CNT, (c) innovative mathematical models and assessment of biodistribution, (d) state-of-the-art Surface Plasmon Resonancne for assessing drug-target interactions, (e) emerging technologies for in vivo protein-protein and theranostic compound-protein interaction with Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation Assays (BIFCs) and (f) a well-structured scheme of complementary skills highly inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of academicians and research commitment of the industrial partners. Such skills will impact positively on their employability in their sector, totally fulfilling the requirements of the “Agenda for new skills and jobs” initiative as particularly addressed through this host-driven IAPP action. The NANORESISTANCE proposal can be seen as working model of the “knowledge triangle” whereby education, research and innovation are brought together in an international and interdisciplinary network to undertake joint research training and transfer of knowledge where SMEs have a central and pivotal role. The partnership is shaped to foster technology transfer and research activities in this emerging scientific area of major clinical significance and to overcome the fragmented and disseminated expertise of academic and industrial groups involved in this new research domain. .