spaXio P02: Experimental mapping of cellular interactions in breast metastatic niches

spaXio P02: Experimental mapping of cellular interactions in breast metastatic niches

We hypothesise that the decision whether a disseminated cancer cell survives and grows out to a full-blown metastasis depends on metabolic changes and cellular interactions in the niche. We aim to comparatively characterise the cellular microenvironment in tumour-draining lymph nodes, lung, and liver during the metastatic process in mouse models of metastatic breast cancer. To model human breast cancer, we will use two different murine breast cancer cell lines that induce different immune microenvironments when implanted into the mammary fat pad of syngeneic mice. Using these models of breast cancer, bioluminescent imaging, uLIPSTIC tagging, and single-cell RNA sequencing, we will track tumour cell interactions. Spatial transcriptomics and high-plex imaging will be used to investigate niche changes. The aim is to uncover how immune and stromal cells support metastasis.

Website:  https://www.spaxio.eu

Grant DOI:  10.3030/101226364

PhD student in this project: