Tumor-blood vessels communication impacting on cancer progression and metastasis

Tumor-associated blood vessels are a major component of the tumor microenvironment because of their important role in supplying the tumor cells (TC) with nutrients and being the border for metastatic spread. Endothelial cells (EC) of blood vessels communicate with TC through direct interactions via Notch signaling. Our group could show that activated Notch1 receptors are frequently present in EC of human tumors. Therefore, the proposed project will address the role of endothelial Notch1 signaling the interaction of EC and TC. Analyzing differently secreted factors by EC due to the activation of Notch1 receptor will give answers how tumor-associated blood vessels shape the tumor microenvironment. The aim of the project is to address the effects of EC mediators on tumor progression and metastatic potential. Immune cells are one of the main component of the tumor microenvironment and their amount correlates with a poor outcome for patients. Identifying the role of endothelial cell in recruiting immune cells into the tumor could be beneficial for tumor therapy and might improve the therapeutic outcome of patients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael Farquharson

Student:

Partner:

University of Heidelberg

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

McMaster University

Program: