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Identification and functional characterization of cancer cell-derived, stroma-modulating factors in cholangiocarcinoma

Subject Area Gastroenterology
Term from 2016 to 2020
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 325247206
 
Final Report Year 2021

Final Report Abstract

Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a highly malignant tumor that is characterized by a dense tumor reactive stroma surrounding the cancer cells. This tumor microenvironment (TME) is a site of complex crosstalk between multiple cellular components, such as tumor cells, immune cells and cancerassociated fibroblasts. Whether the stroma supports proliferation of the cancer cells in an oncogenic fashion or actually restrains tumor growth has been a topic of intense debate, and likely the role of the stroma in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis and therapy response is multifaceted. In this project, we have established murine organoid technology and model systems to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the tumor promoting effects of the secreted factors GM-CSF and G-CSF. Using an in vivo CRISPR screening approach, we have identified STK11 as a potent tumor suppressor gene in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and now aim to functionally investigate its stroma-modulating capacities. Furthermore, we have compiled a comprehensive clinical and molecular dataset from over 160 patients. To annotate the architectural diversity of the TME in primary human intrahepatic CC, we have performed multiplexed immunohistochemistry and multispectral imaging of the different tumor “regions”, and we have trained programs to perform automated image analysis. These data will now be evaluated both quantitatively and spatially, and correlated to the available clinical outcome data, to determine whether we can define specific “subtypes” of human CC based on the immune infiltrates.

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