Influence of EDA fibronectin on macrophages and tumor growth

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Inaam Nakchbandi
• Subject Area: Hematology, Oncology
• Term: from 2017 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 353633621

Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix protein. The presence of several isoforms allows it to exert various functions. In preliminary experiments, we found that failure of cancer cells to produce an isoform that contains the extra domain A (EDA) affects the macrophages and diminishes cancer growth without involvement of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In the current application, we propose to establish the mechanism and the receptor that leads to modification of the reaction of macrophages towards cancer. We will also prevent matrix accumulation genetically or using inhibitors of fibril formation to evaluate the role of matrix composition on the immune response and cancer growth. We will then take advantage of this information to stimulate the immune response against cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants