Zeb1 expressing macrophages control metastatic colonisation (B01#)

Tumour-infiltrating cells of the myeloid compartment are crucial determinants of tumour progression towards metastasis. Particularly tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) where described to exert both tumour/metastasis promoting and suppressing functions. The underlying molecular basis is not fully understood. Our preliminary data indicate that the EMT transcription factor Zeb1 defines a colonization-suppressive subpopulation of TAMs. The aim in project B01 is understand, how Zeb1 determines the generation of TAM-subpopulations, to isolate and characterize the Zeb1+TAM subpopulation in a mouse model for metastatic colonisation, and to validate the findings in human cancer.

DFG Programme CRC/Transregios

Subproject of TRR 305:  Striking a moving target: From mechanisms of metastatic colonization to novel systemic therapies

Applicant Institution Universität Regensburg

Project Head Professor Dr. Thomas Brabletz