BOTS, a European breast cancer project

Team 7 of the unit (Targeting Transcription in Breast Cancer) led by Martin Teichmann is carrying out the European project “Blue Organoids for Treatment Selection (BOTS)”. It is part of the European INTERREG Atlantic Area programme, which promotes regional development through transnational cooperation between Europe’s Atlantic regions.

This project is the result of collaboration between the University of Bordeaux as lead partner, through the Bordeaux Institute of Oncology and the Institute of Chemistry & Biology of Membranes & Nano-objects (CBMN), and the University of Pau and the Pays de l’Adour (Institute of Analytical Sciences and Physical Chemistry for the Environment and Materials), and the Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, CIC bioGune and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

Goal of the project :

The BOTS project aims to produce marine hydrogels derived from marine biopolymers for the development of a new breast cancer organoid model. The marine hydrogels will be chemically modified to promote the growth of human cells and to confer the physical properties required for bioprinting. This will enable them to be scaled up for commercial use. In the future, the plan is to set up two SMEs, one to manufacture marine hydrogels to scale, the other to carry out drug tests for personalised medicine.

In addition, BOTS also supports the creation or derivation of hydrogels from fish, algae and shellfish products to fight against breast cancer.

Project team members :

Prof Richard Iggo is the scientific coordinator of the BOTS project. It defines the trajectory, objectives and direction of the project in conjunction with the partners. It also ensures that the project’s activities are carried out successfully and coordinates them.

A contract researcher and a doctoral student will complete the BOTS project team to ensure the success of the project’s activities and results. They will be actively involved in the creation of high added-value biomaterials based on biopolymers from fish, algae and crustaceans.

This work will lead to the creation of SMEs employing highly qualified young professionals in the Atlantic area.

Dr Irinka Séraudie, contract researcher, is responsible for the development and characterization of the new breast cancer organoid model. Ultimately, she will also be involved in testing drugs that kill organoids grown in new hydrogels using a technology that can be scaled up for commercial diagnostic use. Dr Gaïd Le Corre is actively involved in the project as part of his thesis.

As project manager, Salomé Huart is responsible for the project’s development. She coordinates and leads the consortium of partners and ensures that the project’s activities are properly implemented. Moreover, she coordinates the administrative, financial and communication aspects of the project’s activities.

Project’s budget :

Total : 3,448,606.78 €

ERDF co-financing: € 2,586,455.08

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