Oncogenesis, Resistance, and Therapeutic Targets in Pediatric Cancers - ONRECAP, UMR_S 1360

Unit 1360 develops an integrated approach dedicated to aggressive pediatric cancers with poor prognosis, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), diffuse midline gliomas (DMG/DIPG), and metastatic osteosarcomas. Its objective is to identify the molecular, cellular, and developmental mechanisms underlying tumor initiation and treatment resistance in order to design more effective and less toxic therapeutic strategies. Research efforts are supported by access to large clinical cohorts and state-of-the-art technologies, including multi-omics and single-cell analyses, CRISPR-Cas9 functional screening, syngeneic and patient-derived models (PDX), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and organoids.

The unit has created a unique multidisciplinary environment bringing together researchers, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and pharmacists, in close collaboration with leading national and international programs in pediatric oncology. Its work aims to generate fundamental discoveries in pediatric cancer research and to accelerate their translation to patients through strong integration with clinical trials. Longitudinal analysis of tumor samples and circulating tumor DNA will enable the identification of new diagnostic and theranostic biomarkers, as well as mechanisms of treatment resistance, thereby supporting the development of innovative therapeutic approaches and combinations. Ultimately, these efforts seek to improve survival outcomes for children and adolescents with aggressive cancers and to reduce the long-term sequelae of treatments.

Director: Thomas Mercher

Deputy Directeur: Jacques Grill