Tumor-nerve crosstalk
The prostate is highly innervated and sympathetic nerves are essential for tumor initiation and promotes metastasis. Perineural invasion (PNI), a phenomenon in which cancer cells are found tracking nerve fibers, are commonly observed in primary prostate cancers and is associated with bone metastasis formation. We will use in vitro models to study the interaction between prostate cancer cell lines and nerves and how nerves affect the phenotype of cancer cells in xenograft mouse models and patient material.
Project members: Håkon Ramberg