Targeting epithelial plasticity in pancreatic cancer (P12)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 329628492

Cellular plasticity drives tumour initiation, metastatic dissemination as well as resistance to therapy. The molecular programs orchestrating plasticity are poorly defined. We have generated a novel PDAC organoid morphogenesis system which allows us to capture tumour plasticity and heterogeneity in a dynamic fashion in vitro. This organoid assay will be employed to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms and to delineate the impact of cellular mechanics as well as to define strategies to inhibit tumour plasticity with the ultimate goal to overcome adaptive resistance towards chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1321: Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Andreas Bausch; Professor Dr. Maximilian Reichert