This collaboration between the Tai Lab at BC Cancer Agency and the biotechnology company STEMCELL will validate a 3D culturing system that supports the growth of normal and malignant pancreatic stem cells. Specifically, we hope to optimize the culturing condition for the growth media to ensure efficient and reproducible outcomes for pancreatic stem cells growing in a 3D system. Various media formulations will be tested to establish a cell culturing system and protocol for the pancreatic tissue. The development of the culture system will enable further analysis of pancreatic cancer stem cells including the role of CDK10 in regulating pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis.