A collaboration between CHU UCL Namur and UNamur awarded a 50.000 € grant by Roche to unravel the role of olfactory receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma

A collaboration between CHU UCL Namur and UNamur awarded a 50.000 € grant by Roche to unravel the role of olfactory receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma

Dr. Quentin Gilliaux and Prof. Lionel D'Hondt, medical oncologists at CHU UCL Namur, together with Prof. Jean-Pierre Gillet, head of the Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Biology at UNamur, have launched a joint project to advance research into hepatocellular carcinoma, a cancer for which there is no effective conventional therapy at advanced stages.

Olfactory receptors, belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, are best known for detecting odorants in the nasal olfactory epithelium. However, over the past decade, olfactory receptors have also been found to be expressed in non-olfactory tissues and cells, suggesting a broader role in physiological and pathological processes. With 30% of EMA-approved anticancer drugs targeting GPCRs, these receptors represent a promising area of investigation.  

The goal of this collaboration between CHU UCL Namur and UNamur is to characterize the expression profile of olfactory receptors in hepatocellular carcinoma and explore their involvement in the development and progression of the disease. Some of these receptors could emerge as novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and as potential therapeutic targets. To this end, the researchers will test targeted treatments on patient-derived organoids, which mimic in vitro and in 3D the tumor and its microenvironment. Patient-derived organoids will be generated in collaboration with the Research Laboratory Dr. Morgane Canonne) and the Biobank (Dr. Fabienne George) of the CHU UCL Namur. 

This preclinical research should provide new insights into the therapeutic potential of olfactory receptors, paving the way for innovative treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The research teams at CHU UCL Namur and UNamur are honored to receive this 50.000 € grant and sincerely thank Roche BeLux (http://www.roche.be) for supporting their research.

Contact : jean-pierre.gillet@unamur.be