Cancer associated fibroblasts in squamous cancer: Coupling transcriptional heterogeneity with pathological matrix dynamics

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a central component of every tumour microenvironment that can either promote or inhibit cancer progression. Recent advances in single cell sequencing revealed an astonishing functional CAF heterogeneity, which is influenced by their mechanical microenvironment. Currently the coupling between the molecular / cellular mechanisms that determine distinct CAF behaviours and the biophysics of the oncogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) are largely unknown.
Combining state-of-the-art mechano-structural ECM imaging, transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) and advanced 3D cultures, the student will investigate the functional CAF heterogeneity and oncogenic ECM changes with an unprecedented molecular resolution which will enable new anti-CAF therapies in cancer.