Understanding Gene ENvironment Interaction in ALcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (GENIAL)
ProjectAlcohol-related hepatocellular carcinoma (ALD-HCC) is, in Europe, the leading cause of liver cancer (2nd most common cause of
cancer-related death worldwide, affecting both men and women). ALD-HCC has a median 5-year survival rate of 15%. Yet, the
prognosis is driven by the tumour stage, with curative options providing a 5-year survival exceeding 70% for early-stage HCC (<20%
of cases). Therefore, interventions aiming to improve prevention and early detection are key. ALD-HCC results from the interplay
between environmental determinants and genetic variations. A comprehensive characterisation of environmental factors (e.g. diet,
lifestyle) linked to ALD-HCC is still lacking. We recently performed the 1st genome-wide association study of ALD-HCC and identified
predisposing genetic variations. However, their role on alcohol-related liver carcinogenesis needs clarification and the genetic
architecture of ALD-HCC remains mostly unknown. GENIAL brings together partners with unique expertise in clinical hepatology,
single-cell and spatial multi-omics, artificial intelligence (AI) and communication and dissemination capacities. Our aim is to 1) portray
genetic and environmental determinants promoting ALD-HCC; 2) evaluate how they interact at cellular level in human samples and
preclinical models to get novel insights into liver carcinogenesis, and identify chemopreventive targets; and 3) assess how these
determinants modulate the ALD-HCC risk in prospective cohorts of patients included in HCC surveillance programs. Environmental
factors will be comprehensively characterised in an ongoing clinical trial designed to evaluate alternative methods for early-stage
HCC detection. Finally, AI models, reaching the minimal viable product stage by the end of GENIAL, will be used to integrate genetic
and non-genetic information (including digital imaging) to develop novel cost-effective strategies towards prevention and earlystage
detection of ALD-HCC in at-risk individuals.
cancer-related death worldwide, affecting both men and women). ALD-HCC has a median 5-year survival rate of 15%. Yet, the
prognosis is driven by the tumour stage, with curative options providing a 5-year survival exceeding 70% for early-stage HCC (<20%
of cases). Therefore, interventions aiming to improve prevention and early detection are key. ALD-HCC results from the interplay
between environmental determinants and genetic variations. A comprehensive characterisation of environmental factors (e.g. diet,
lifestyle) linked to ALD-HCC is still lacking. We recently performed the 1st genome-wide association study of ALD-HCC and identified
predisposing genetic variations. However, their role on alcohol-related liver carcinogenesis needs clarification and the genetic
architecture of ALD-HCC remains mostly unknown. GENIAL brings together partners with unique expertise in clinical hepatology,
single-cell and spatial multi-omics, artificial intelligence (AI) and communication and dissemination capacities. Our aim is to 1) portray
genetic and environmental determinants promoting ALD-HCC; 2) evaluate how they interact at cellular level in human samples and
preclinical models to get novel insights into liver carcinogenesis, and identify chemopreventive targets; and 3) assess how these
determinants modulate the ALD-HCC risk in prospective cohorts of patients included in HCC surveillance programs. Environmental
factors will be comprehensively characterised in an ongoing clinical trial designed to evaluate alternative methods for early-stage
HCC detection. Finally, AI models, reaching the minimal viable product stage by the end of GENIAL, will be used to integrate genetic
and non-genetic information (including digital imaging) to develop novel cost-effective strategies towards prevention and earlystage
detection of ALD-HCC in at-risk individuals.