Influence of the EphrinB2-EphB4 system on spinal metastasis formation

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marcus Czabanka
• Subject Area: Molecular and Cellular Neurology and Neuropathology ; Clinical Neurology; Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology
• Term: from 2014 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267716524

The herein presented project analyses organspecific tumor cell dissemination with a special focus on the generation of manifest spinal metastasis. For this purpose an established experimental animal model (intraarteriel tumor cell injection) is used in combination with bioluminescence imaging and smal animal MR imaging. Using a transgenic animal model (endothelial EphrinB2 KO) and EphB4 manipulated tumor cells, the role of the EphrinB2-EphB4 pathway for the generation of spinal metastasis is investigated. Translational therapy experiments with EphrinB2-EphB4 altering substances will highlight the importance of this signalling pathway as a suitable target to treat spinal metastasis. The focus of cellular analysis will analyse tumor cell-endothelia cell interactions in relation to EphrinB2-EphB4 alterations. The overall aim of this research project is to identify the EphrinB2-EphB4 system as a key regulator of spinal metastasis and a clinically promising therapy strategy.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants