MAACS · N6 - methyladenosine RNA modification in acute coronary syndrome
Horizon Europe — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2023-03-01 → 2025-02-28
- EU contribution
- €191,760
- Participants
- 3
- Scheme
- HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
N6 - methyladenosine RNA modification in acute coronary syndrome
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with acute coronary syndromes (ACS)—such as heart attacks—posing a particularly severe threat due to their sudden onset and risk of post-infarction heart failure. Despite advances in medical diagnostics and treatment, many patients remain at high risk of long-term complications and death. There is a pressing need for personalised diagnostic tools that can identify high-risk individuals early and guide timely clinical intervention. The MAACS project (m⁶A RNA Modifications in Acute Coronary Syndromes) was designed to address this gap by exploring a new frontier in biomedical research: epitranscriptomics, the study of chemical modifications on RNA molecules that can influence gene expression and cellular function. The project specifically focused on a modification called N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A), believed to play a critical role in inflammation and heart tissue remodelling after an infarction. Hosted by the Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), and supported by partners at McGill University (Canada), the project aimed to discover new RNA-based biomarkers in blood cells that could predict the likelihood of heart failure following ACS. The research also sought to understand how these molecular changes influence immune system responses, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets. By combining clinical research with cutting-edge RNA sequencing and computational biology, MAACS contributes to the EU’s health policy goals of promoting personalized medicine, reducing preventable mortality, and supporting excellence in cardiovascular research.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The main aim of the MAACS project is to explore if specific changes in epitranscriptomic landscape of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, could be used as a biomarker for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) differential diagnosis and prediction of future adverse outcomes. This project will be the first to (1) identify ACS-specific m6A biosignatures in PBMCs using direct RNA Nanopore sequencing, (2) quantify total m6A RNA modifications in PBMCs of ACS and stable angina patients using LC/MS, (3) assess the clinical utility of total m6A RNA modification in PBMCs, and (4) perform an in vitro functional analysis of ACS-specific m6A modifications. The realization of set objectives will reveal novel mechanisms implicated in the aggravation of ACS that could lead to the development of novel tools for personalized prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In order to utilize the power of the integrative and multidisciplinary approach, this project will establish collaboration between Dr. Miron Sopic (MSCA PF applicant) and top-tier institutions: CardioVascular Research Unit-Luxembourg Institute of Health (beneficiary) led by Dr. Yvan Devaux (The project’s supervisor), McGill University in Quebec (associated partner for secondment), and University of Luxembourg (associated partner). Working in the international environment with eminent experts and a productive team of researchers and using state-of-the-art infrastructure and techniques will secure the applicant to become an internationally recognized expert in the epitranscriptomic field and an independent researcher with strong credibility competent to establish and lead his research group. MAACS contributes to sustainable development by complying with several objectives: good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality in research, reduced inequalities, and partnership for the goals.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- LUXEMBOURG INSTITUTE OF HEALTH · StrassenCoordinatorLuxembourg
- ROYAL INSTITUTION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING MCGILL UNIVERSITY · MontrealCanada
- UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG · ESCH-SUR-ALZETTELuxembourg
Links
- View on CORDIS
- DOI: 10.3030/101064175
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e50012a377&appId=PPGMS
- https://ec.europa.eu/research/participants/documents/downloadPublic?documentIds=080166e507b4b327&appId=PPGMS
Data: CORDIS, © European Union