WP3

DC8

Characterization of the role of macrophages in the formation of breast and prostate cancer (BCa, PCa)-induced OoC bone metastasis

Objectives:

  1. Establish standardized human bone OoC integrated with (age-relevant) blood monocyte-derived macrophage population
  2. Identify macrophage and matrix changes induced upon interaction with BCa and PCa cells in bone OoC model
  3. Select and test potential macrophage-targeted compounds to interfere with BCa cell survival and invasion into bone OoC

Expected Results: Bone microtissues (MCTs) of primary human osteoblasts and (age-relevant) osteoclasts are embedded in age-appropriate bone/collagen matrix and co-cultured with various BCa and PCa cells to faithfully mimic the early steps of invasion into bone. This optimised and controlled (MIVO) OoC system will deliver the very early biomarkers of macrophage changes induced by cancer cell interaction and impacting macrophage function and matrix composition. Selected druggable targets will be tested in the OoC to validate their impact on BCa cell invasion.

Selection and interviews ongoing