Experienced Researcher in Cancer Microenvironment

Understanding the Role of the Tumor Microenvironment

The tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in cancer progression, influencing tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapy. The extracellular matrix, a complex network of proteins, regulates cellular behavior and provides structural support to tissues.

Cancer-associated Fibroblasts: Key Players in Tumorigenesis

Cancer-associated fibroblasts interact with the matrix, promoting tumorigenesis by remodeling the ECM and creating a more favorable environment for cancer cells.

This Master Thesis Project

This project focuses on developing a co-culture model of cancer-associated fibroblasts with cancer cells to investigate matrix remodeling within the tumor microenvironment. The primary objective is to examine how the interaction between cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cell lines influences the production and cleavage of collagen matrices.

Key Activities:

• Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies on cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer cells, and ECM remodeling to establish a foundation for the experimental design.
• Cell Culture and Characterization: Expand cancer cell lines and adapt them to the required conditions for the co-culture model.
• Data Analysis: Analyze the results of the co-culture model to understand the mechanisms underlying matrix remodeling and its impact on cancer progression.