Cellular differentiation in brain tissue-like matrices (C04)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology ; Dermatology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 460333672

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