Targeting MYCN multiprotein complexes in neuroblastoma with miniproteins (B03)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Experimental Models for the Understanding of Nervous System Diseases ; Experimental and Theoretical Network Neuroscience ; Hematology, Oncology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 493872418

The project uses a collection of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) for MYC/MYCN to identify and optimize miniproteins that bind directly to specific protein regions in MYCN. This approach is expected to disrupt potentially disease-relevant PPIs such as MYCN-WRD5 or MYCN-MAX and exert a therapeutic effect on neuroblastoma. The functional effects of miniprotein expression on MYCN-directed protein complex formation, DNA binding, cell physiology, and proliferation will be investigated in NB cell lines as well as zebrafish models. This study may provide new molecular tools and new avenues for future development of MYCN-targeted therapies for the NB.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1588: Decoding and Targeting Mechanisms of Neuroblastoma Evolution
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Heads: Dr. Jan Dörr; Professor Dr. Erich E. Wanker