Role of Tumor Stroma in Prostate Carcinogenesis
Abstract
This project ultimately aims to identify the role of tumor stroma in inducing prostate carcinogenesis. The hypothesis to be tested is that tumor stroma, in the form of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) isolated from human prostate cancer patients, can initiate malignant transformation in human embryonic stem cells. To date, we have made significant progress towards generating prostatic fibroblast/human embryonic stem cell tissue recombinants. We have taken some time to get ethics approval for the collection of human prostate tissues and subsequent recruitment of patients in collaboration with clinicians. Upon collection of prostate tissues, we have successfully isolated and cultured prostatic fibroblasts. We are currently refining our collection technique to be 100% confident that the fibroblasts we collect are of a malignant phenotype before we claim to have isolated "carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)". Meanwhile, we have established the culture of human embryonic stem cells. Importantly, we have gained access to constitutively expressing-GFP human embryonic stem cells for use in tissue recombination experiments. Using these cells, we have generated a number of tissue recombinants that are currently grafted under the kidney capsule of immune-deficient mice. The first round of grafts are due to he harvested in April 2005. Whatever the outcome of these experiments is, we are sure to contribute significantly to our understanding of the role of tumor stroma in the process of prostate carcinogenesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA435121
Entities
People
- Renea J. Taylor
Organizations
- Monash University