Metastasis predisposing extracellular matrix architecture in colorectal cancer (P03)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology ; General and Visceral Surgery
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 540805631

The project aims to follow the hypothesis that stiffness of baseline basement membrane (basM), a specialized type of the ECM, determines metastasis formation independently of cancer type or underlying mutational profile. Preliminary data suggest that the ratio of netrin-4 and laminin may be responsible for alterations in matrix pore size and stiffness. The concept of stiffness-dependent metastasis formation and the potential contribution of netrin-4 will be assessed in relevant preclinical models and primary human samples.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 417: Cellular Communication in the Stroma of Colorectal Cancer: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Translation
• Applicant Institution: Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
• Project Heads: Professorin Priscilla Briquez, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Stefan Fichtner-Feigl; Professor Dr. Raphael Reuten