The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Defining the cancer cell regulators of immunity enabling pancreatic cancer liver metastasis
Overview
Aim: Cancer Biology
Metastatic cancer, where cancer spreads from its original site to other parts of the body, is a main reason behind cancer-related deaths. Pancreatic cancer is a highly metastatic cancer that often spreads to the liver, where effective treatments are limited. We do not fully understand how secreted signals and immune cells in the liver affect the growth of these metastases. To study this, we have developed a unique model using cancer cells with either a high or low ability to spread to the liver after transplantation. Early findings suggest that cancer cells might attract specific immune cells to certain areas in the liver, which could either help or stop the growth of metastases.
Our project will investigate how signals secreted by cancer cells interact with host cells in the liver to create a barrier that suppresses metastasis. Our research could provide important evidence for a new treatment approach that could prevent the return of metastases. Specifically, we aim to explore how the CCL4-CCR5 signaling pathway affects liver metastasis. Additionally, we will use our expertise in spatial proteomics to improve techniques for identifying and analyzing the locations of these signals and involved cells within the liver. Success in this project could lead to new treatments that create a liver environment that blocks metastasis, helping to prevent cancer from returning in patients.