Using Human Stem Cells to Study the Role of the Stroma in the Initiation of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

This project aims to determine the role of tumor stroma in prostate cancer biology. To do this, we are using a model of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation that was established in our laboratory. Using hESC-derived prostatic epithelial cells, we will test whether or not tumor stroma derived from human prostate cancer specimens will induce and initiate carcinogenesis. Our first task has been to optimize our current protocols of hESC differentiation into prostate. Ideally, we will eliminate the small percentage of hESCs that spontaneously differentiate into non-prostatic structures in tissue grafts in order to work with a pure population of prostatic cells. Work towards this aim is in progress. In the following 6-12 months, we will begin to isolate prostatic stem cells from our hESC-derived tissues, and subsequently initiate experimental studies with human cancer stroma enriched cell populations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA502946

Entities

People

  • Gail Petuna Risbridger

Organizations

  • Monash University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Cancer
  • Cells
  • Department Of Defense
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Neoplasms
  • Prostate
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Stem Cells
  • Tissues

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology