NOTCHIT · NOTCH SIGNALING IN DEVELOPMENT AND PATHOLOGY

Eight partners from six different EU countries will converge in NotchIT, a multi-site ITN aimed to increase the knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms by which Notch signaling regulates the development and pathology of different tissues. Notch signaling plays a key role in cell-fate determination and differentiation of various cell types and aberrant Notch signaling is associated with pathogenesis of different human diseases, including cancer. NotchIT integrates the research and training activities of the eight different partners, who are all leaders in Notch signaling and related fields, to specifically address three strategic initiatives, which are central to European science and health economy: - the core Notch signaling mechanism with the purpose of constructing a state-of-the-art molecular tool box for Notch signaling and to disseminate this knowledge and reagents at a pan-European level. - the role of Notch signaling in the differentiation and pathology of various cell types with the purpose of using Notch signaling to improve our means to steer stem cell differentiation and to correct aberrant Notch signaling in pathologies. - how Notch signaling can be exogenously controlled through pharmacological approaches, in order to break new ground and to ultimately design new diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The training component in NotchIT is deeply integrated with the research programme. The partners in NotchIT possess a wide range of expertise and work in operationally diverse environments: Hospitals, Universities, Research Institutes and Industry. This broad knowledge-base, combined with an integrated set of courses, workshops, meetings and cross-laboratory visits, provides an excellent training opportunity for early stage and experienced scientists in the center, and will prepare them for high level positions in academia and industry.