Origin, Heterogeneity and Function of Pancreatic Cancer Associated Fibroblasts

Lu Han, PhD

Postdoctoral Scholar

Michael Ostrowski Lab and Gustavo Leone Lab

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Hollings Cancer Center, HO 703

Medical University of South Carolina

Abstract:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers and is characterized by an expansion of fibroblasts which modulate the tumor microenvironment. This presentation will discuss the fetal tissue origin, molecular signatures and functions of cancer associated fibroblast in PDAC. The goal of this study is to elucidate the fundamental biology of the mesenchymal lineage in the pancreas during organogenesis, homeostasis, and tumorigenesis, which may ultimately lead to design of more effective therapeutics for PDAC patients through fine-tuning the cancer associated fibroblasts.