Topics
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Human cancer modeling (+ organoids)
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Human cancer deconstruction
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Tumor microenvironment-targeted therapeutics
Human cancer modeling
We reconstruct human cancer in vitro using native tissue. Employing tissue engineering techniques like decellularization and 3D cultures, we assemble the crucial elements of the Tumor Microenvironment (TME), such as immune cells, fibroblasts, and cancer cells, in a decellularized matrix. Utilizing this, we are conducting research on the occurrence and metastasis of human cancer, identifying new drug targets, and applying them to research involving screening.
Human cancer deconstruction
Tumor microenvironment includes cancer cells, immune cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix (ECM). Changes in the ECM can influence the behavior of all these components, impacting tumor development, progression, and response to therapy. Dissecting or analyzing the ECM proteome (proteomics) and stromal cells (single cell sequencing) helps in understanding the tumor microenvironment.
TME-targeted therapeutics
By studying the interactions between cancer cells and the ECM, we gain insights into the mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression, and response to therapy, leading to novel therapeutic strategies and interventions for cancer treatment. For example, targeting or modifying the ECM components and physical properties can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis and improve the efficacy of existing cancer therapies.
