Objective
Brain metastasis (BrM) is one of the deadliest cancer complications, affecting 30-40% of patients. When cancer cells migrate from the primary tumor to the brain, they face the critical challenge of adapting to an entirely new microenvironment. This includes various tissue-resident cell types, a distinct extracellular matrix composition, and more importantly, the challenge of traversing the multiple layers constituting the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB – composed of the endothelial cells, mural cells, and associated microglia and neurons – not only serves as the initial gateway for cancer cells during the early stages of metastatic colonization but also for recruited immune cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, in advanced stages of the disease.
The METAVASC project pioneers a novel study of the brain vasculature as a key regulator of both early and advanced stages in BrM, challenging the traditional view of the vascular system as merely structural. By following a multifaceted approach – including niche labeling systems, CRISPR and drug screenings, multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and functional studies – this project aims to overcome current limitations in understanding BrM biology from a vascular perspective, addressing two key questions: How do vascular components influence cancer cell survival during the initial stages of BrM (Aim 1)? And how does the brain vasculature regulate immune cell recruitment and activation in later stages (Aim 2)? Although immunocompetent BrM mouse models will be critical to address most of the fundamental questions in this project, the validation process in human samples represents an important milestone (Aim 3), as our ultimate goal is to translate our findings into tangible benefits for patients.
In METAVASC, we aim to advance the knowledge of this disease and develop groundbreaking therapies that can transform BrM into preventable and treatable conditions, potentially revolutionizing patient outcomes.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2025-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
20014 DONOSTIA-SAN SEBASTIAN
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.