Cellular differentiation in brain tissue-like matrices (C04)

C04 uses cell types with the same embryonic origin but distinct differentiation as brain cells to analyse the role of mechanics on cellular differentiation and de-differentiation. Melanocytes originate from the neural crest displaying characteristics of neural cells. We will seed melanocytes or melanoma cells, often metastasizing into the brain, in de-cellularised or engineered brain tissue-like matrices and will use molecular marker to define the brain-tissue-specific cell behaviour. We will understand whether differentiation cues are mediated via biomechanics and whether melanoma metastasis is influenced by mechanical properties.

DFG Programme Collaborative Research Centres

Subproject of SFB 1540:  Exploring Brain Mechanics (EBM): Understanding, engineering and exploiting mechanical properties and signals in central nervous system development, physiology and pathology

Applicant Institution Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg

Project Head Professorin Dr. Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff