Molecular subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) and personalised targeting in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the lethal cancer types; characterized by an extensive desmoplastic stroma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are key residents of this stroma and orchestrate tumor progression. We identified for the first time (to our knowledge) four molecular CAF subtypes with distinct functional characteristics. We hypothesise that this heterogeneity in CAFs may reflect differential responses to therapy in PDAC. Here, we will develop subtype-specific CAF:cancer co-cultures from different mouse models and identify potential therapeutic targets or therapies. We anticipate that our results might pave a way for personalised targeting of PDAC based on CAF subtypes.