Project

Systems biology approach to moleculary characterize the lung cancer microenvironment

Completed ยท 2012 until 2014

Type
Fundamental Research
Range
Monocentric project at KSSG
Units
Status
Completed
Start Date
2012
End Date
2014
Financing
Others
Keywords
lung cancer, microenvironment, stromal cell, tumor
Brief description/objective

Tumor cells display distinct genetic alterations that permit their unrestricted growth. In contrast, stromal cells that provide the growth scaffold and nutrients for the tumor, most likely exhibit universal signatures that determine their function. The aim of this project is to gain novel knowledge on stromal cells that determine the growth-supporting micro-environment of lung cancer. Researcher at the Kantonsspital St. Gallen have developed unique tools and methods to label, characterize and molecularly ablate lung cancer stromal cells. We expect that our research will identify critical target structures on lung cancer stromal cells and that this knowledge will foster the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic avenues.