Dissecting Toll-like receptor 3 function in pancreatic regeneration and neoplastic transformation (P05)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 329628492

The Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways are frequently altered at the genetic level in PDAC. Based on this and our own preliminary work, which shows a defective pancreatic regeneration and pronounced Kras-driven inflammation in the context of TLR3 loss, we hypothesize that the nucleic acid sensor TLR3 plays an essential and compartment-specific role during regeneration and carcinogenesis in the pancreas. In this research initiative, we aim to dissect the specific role of TLR3 in these processes. The overall aim is to identify new druggable pathways that critically influence pancreatic tumorigenesis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1321: Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Guido von Figura, until 12/2020; Professor Dr. Bernhard Holzmann