The proposed project aims to define proteometabolomic profiles in cancer patients in order to identify new molecular signatures of ageing capable of predicting the evolution of cancer in the presence of comorbidities and states of frailty/ageing. The first phases of the project, which involve identifying the cases to be used in the study, have been launched, and the clinical characteristics of the patients whose biological serum samples are available for experimental investigation are currently being analysed. The protocol for the selection of clinical cases and the collection and redistribution of biological material to the project's operational units that will carry out the -omic investigations has been finalised and submitted for approval by the relevant Ethics Committee. The panel of cell lines to be used for subsequent functional studies to validate the identified biomarkers has been defined, and procedures have been initiated to procure the materials (equipment and reagents) necessary to carry out the proposed experimental activities.
During the initial phase of the Circomet project, preparatory activities were completed and operations were launched: the procedure for the collection and redistribution of biological samples was approved by the Ethics Committee (16/12/2024, CE: PROT2027/CEL), the procedure for the collection and redistribution of biological samples was defined, the case series was established with 326 patients stratified by age and comorbidity, and the first 88 samples from gynaecological tumours were collected, with the relevant clinical database being set up and a request for shipment to the operating units. Serum processing protocols for proteomic and metabolomic analyses have been developed and optimised, including protein depletion procedures (comparative analysis between Agilent Hu-14 and Thermo High Select Top14 kits) and pre-analytical conditions for NMR in accordance with ISO/DIS 23118. A panel of cell lines has been established for functional validation in 2D and 3D models of prostate, gynaecological, bladder and breast cancers. Project governance is supported by a kick-off meeting (09/12/2024) and monthly meetings to monitor progress and any deviations from the plan. A staffing issue was managed by reallocating man-months and involving new faculty to ensure continuity of activities. An international special issue was also launched for scientific dissemination on ageing, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Activities are on track with the timeplan, with completion of the initial deliverables as planned.