Tissue diagnosis using software-supported assessment of biomarkers

• Applicant: Dr. Christian Ostalecki
• Subject Area: Dermatology ; Pathology
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405888926

The overall goal of our research is to analyze the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of cutaneous melanoma, in order to develop biomarker profiles and innovative therapeutic approaches. All these aspects were included in this proposal.Our previous results revealed that activated ADAM10 may play an important role in many forms of cutaneous melanoma, based on the analysis of signaling pathways in melanoma cell lines in vitro. In a recently published study we could verify this finding in melanoma tissue and describe the mechanism of ADAM10 activation. We discovered that the endopeptidase SPPL3 acted as a crucial upstream activator of ADAM10. Using the so-called MELC (multi epitope ligand cartography) technology was crucial in this approach. This technology allows the assessment of more than 100 different antigens on one tissue/cell layer and within their topographical localization. In this proposal we aim to analyze whether our findings and biomarkers could be applied to other forms of cutaneous melanoma and if the identified tissue biomarker profiles could be used for tissue diagnosis by means of the MELC technology, powered by an image analysis software. Furthermore, the role of the early tumor microenviroment in ADAM10 activation will be investigated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants