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The inflammatory tumor secretome – from understanding to novel therapies
The focus of the research program is the emerging field of the tumor secretome, which requires scientific expertise in different areas of cancer biology and immunology. In order to fully represent the research program, the dedicated scientists listed decided to initiate and support the proposed Research Training Group (RTG). The role of the inflammation-driven tumor secretome for tumor progression and therapy resistance will be investigated. The aim is to establish an internationally competitive research center for the training of outstanding PhD/MD students in this emerging field and to integrate scientific and medical students as early as possible into research projects.
The tumor secretome definition includes secretory factors released by cancer cells and by host cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, the tumor secretome has emerged as a key player in tumorigenesis and therapy resistance and holds great promise as a source for novel cancer biomarkers and drug targets. However, its composition and impact on the reciprocal crosstalk of tumor cells and host cells remain to be investigated in detail. The RTG focuses specifically on the molecular dissection and functional analysis of secreted factors in ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer and leukemia as diseases that are critically dependent on the TME. One focus of the research program is the role of the inflammatory NF-κB-dependent and the p53-regulated secretome components (proteins) including extracellular vesicles (EVs), which modulate the plasticity of tumor-associated immune cells, cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and therapy response. Moreover, we will analyze the consequences of chemotherapy and DNA damage on the secretome and its role for the anti-tumor response.
