Mapping the CAF subtype-dependent reciprocal signaling in the CRC niche (P04)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology ; Immunology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 540805631

Continuing a successful joint effort between Erlangen and Frankfurt the project examines the function of CAF-tumor bidirectional signaling. Zeb1-mediated CAF diversification increases anti-tumor immunity and promotes tumor progression towards metastasis. Taking advantage of well-established human and murine co-culture systems and genetic mouse models, this project aims to map the CAF subtype-specific secretomes and explore the TME-tumor crosstalk using a novel niche-labeling approach. Ultimately, interfering with Zeb1-dependent mediators may enable immune checkpoint inhibition.

• 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: Professor Dr. Henner Farin; Privatdozent Dr. Marc Stemmler