Investigating the Complex Interplay between Cancer-associated Fibroblasts and Cancer Cells

3 weeks ago


Herlev, Herlev Kommune, Denmark Nordic Bioscience Full time

Unlocking the Secrets of Cancer Progression

Nordic Bioscience is a leading biotechnology company specializing in biomarker discovery, development, and commercialization. We are seeking a highly motivated M.Sc. student to join our oncology team and contribute to our mission of understanding and quantifying extracellular matrix remodeling in the tumor microenvironment.

Project Overview

The primary objective of this master thesis project is to develop a co-culture model of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with cancer cells to investigate matrix remodeling within the tumor microenvironment. This project will focus on examining how the interaction between CAFs and cancer cell lines influences collagen production and degradation.

Key Activities

  • Literature Research: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies on CAFs, cancer cells, and ECM remodeling to establish a foundation for the experimental design.
  • Expansion and Characterization of Cancer Cells: Expand cancer cell lines and adapt them to the so-called "Scar-in-a-Jar" cell culture model. Measure different ECM biomarkers in the cell supernatant.
  • Development and Optimization of Mono- and Co-Culture Models: Conduct preliminary experiments to identify the best conditions for mono- and co-culture, followed by measurement of ECM biomarkers and validation of the model.
  • Stimulation with Various Compounds: Explore the effects of different stimulating compounds on CAF-cancer cell interactions and matrix remodeling. This may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets.
  • Identification of New Targets and Biomarkers: Based on experimental outcomes, potential new targets or biomarkers associated with CAF-driven matrix remodeling will be identified for further investigation.

About You

We are looking for a highly motivated M.Sc. student with a background in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field. Previous knowledge in cell biology is preferable. You should be eager to learn new skills, bring a collaborative mindset, and work as part of a research team. Full-time commitment to Nordic Bioscience during the project period is expected.

About Us

Nordic Bioscience has over 25 years of experience in ECM research and biomarker development. Our educational environment teaches both research and commercial aspects of science, and our key focus is to understand and quantify ECM remodeling in the tumor microenvironment. Join us and contribute to developing novel tools to improve patient care and aid drug development.



  • Herlev, Herlev Kommune, Denmark Nordic Bioscience Full time

    Project OverviewThis research project focuses on understanding the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment. We aim to investigate the interactions between CAFs and cancer cells, particularly in terms of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. The study will involve developing a co-culture model of CAFs with cancer cells to...


  • Herlev, Herlev Kommune, Denmark Nordic Bioscience Full time

    About the Project">This master thesis project focuses on developing a co-culture model of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with cancer cells to investigate matrix remodeling within the tumor microenvironment (TME).The primary objective is to examine how the interaction between CAFs and cancer cell lines influences the production and cleavage of collagen...


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  • Herlev Kommune, Denmark Nordic Bioscience Full time

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