진학프로석·박사 채용 접수 플랫폼

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in driving tumor aggressiveness and influencing treatment responses. Key players within this microenvironment are cancer- associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and nerves. The prognostic significance of immune infiltration (e.g. immunoscore) has been well established, informing both prognosis and treatment choice, and targeting of endothelial cells with anti-VEGF agents is a common therapeutic approach. However, increasing evidence suggests that also the nervous system actively contributes to tumor pathophysiology, with neuronal-cancer cell crosstalk emerging as a key driver of tumor progression and therapy resistance. Despite their clinical significance, the molecular mechanisms governing nerve-tumor interactions remain poorly understood.

Our project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor-nerve interactions in human colorectal cancer (CRC). To achieve this, we will integrate data from diferent omics-technologies with a range of cellular and molecular biology assays. Overall, this research aims to advance our understanding of the role of nerves in cancer progression, with the goal of identifying novel disease markers and potential treatment options.