Role of cancer-associated fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment

Overview

The research project aims to investigate the role of Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumour microenvironment (TME) in CRC using an in vitro model employing the RASTRUM 3D cell culture platform (Inventia) to model the tumour microenviroment. It uses both CRC cell lines and fibroblast cell lines; two from colon adenocarcinomas one a normal fibroblast line. It will characterise both the level and cellular location of the p53 isoform Δ133TP53 (mRNA and protein, using both using both RNAscope and Inmmunofluorescence (IF)) together with that of cytokines (including IL6 and IL2), using matrices (co-cultures) printed using the RASTRUM. Functional assays (including cell migration and invasion) will also be used to further characterise the tumour microenvironment.

Useful information

• Graduate research at the University of Otago
• Scholarships at the University of Otago