Welcome to the project
Gene ENvironement Intercation in ALcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma
The identification of environmental factors and genetic variations promoting alcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (ALD-HCC) will enable the development of targets and associated models enabling early-stage detection of individuals at risk of developing alcohol-related liver cancer thus improving drastically curative options and prognosis for patients.
GENIAL is funded by the European Union under number 101096312
*according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) modelling.
genetic variants influencing ALD-HCC risk
gene-environment interactions at single-cell level in ALD-HCC
ALD-HCC related environmental factors at population level
AI models using large prospective cohorts for improved ALD-HCC risk prediction
results to all EU citizens, including researchers, patients and the general public
Hepatology specialist at Université Libre de Bruxelles
« It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to an extraordinary initiative set to redefine the landscape of alcohol-related liver cancer (ALD-HCC) in Europe »
Director of INSERM Research Unit
We will identify in WP1 common and rare genetic variant mudulating the risk of ALD-HCC. We will evaluate those variants in the general population as well as NAFLD cohorts.
Our main objective is to identify novel inherited genetic variants predisposing to ALD-HCC. Those variants will be assesseld for gene-environment interactions at molecular levels in WP2 and help define risk stratification in WP3.
VIB-KU LEUVEN CENTER FOR CANCER BIOLOGY Laboratory of cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation
WP2 will evaluate how inherited genetic variants of ALD-HCC patients can be influenced by the liver environment. This will allow us to gain better insight into the onset of ALD-HCC and identify potential preventive drug targets. To increase our understanding of gene-environment intercations for the risk of ALD-HCC, we will:
We will use cutting-edge technologies: single cell/nuclei RNAseq, spatial transcriptomics/metabolomics/lipidomics and histological profiling. These will provide us, with unprecedented mechanistic and conceptual detail, information on how gene-environment interactions unfold in alcohol-related liver carcinogenesis.
WP3 will use clinical data and available biobanks of more than 4000 European patients with compensated cirrhosis included in four prospective cohorts and one randomized trial dedicated to HCC surveillance.
The overall objective of WP3 is to provide an extensive characterization of clinical, histological and radiological factors and how they interact with inherited genetic variants on the risk of ALD-HCC. WP3 will therefore pursue the following specific objectives.
The robust methodology of WP3 encompasses a comprehensive approach combining clinical, genetic, and imaging data with advanced machine learning/AI techniques. This strategy will allow the refinement of HCC risk scoring systems, improve tumour early detection and ultimately trigger personalized surveillance, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
The main objective of this work package is to set up and coordinate efficient strategies for internal and externalcommunication in the GENIAL project, to disseminate information and train relevant stakeholders outside of the project.
Objectives:
In WP5, we navigate the ethical, administrative and technical complexities of GENIAL. Our first task is ensuring that our research respects all ethical considerations and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We’ll manage all aspects of the projects, from activity scheduling, quality checks, and financial coordination to contractual management and conflict resolution. Our goal is a well-organised project that meets its objectives, delivers results, and comlies with EU regulations.