Analyzing the Effects of Therapeutics on CAFs Using a Reporter-Based Assay

Authors: Aisha Makama, Michael Feigin

SUNY Campus: SUNY Buffalo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 16

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: Cancer is a disease that occurs due to uncontrollable cell growth. Pancreatic cancer is the third deadliest cancer type. Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of 12.8 percent due to its low detection rate and dense tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). These CAFs can either promote or restrain tumorigenic activity. CAFs can be divided into 2 major sub-types - the more tumorogenic inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) and the tumor-restraining myofibroblastic (myCAFs). My goal this summer is to create a reporter tool that will allow us to test the effect of different compounds on their ability to modify CAF fate. The cell line will express the myCAF-specific marker a-SMA and the iCAF-specific marker IL-6 with a fluorescent readout that can be visualized microscopically. This will allow us to simultaneously screen multiple types of drugs, at various concentrations and at different time points. Understanding how these compounds affect CAF fate will allow us to predict their impact on tumors in mice better. This will facilitate the development of targeted therapies that progress to preclinical trials in mouse models.