Extracellular matrix biomarkers and in vitro models to study cancer-associated fibroblasts

PhD defence by Annika Hettich

Assessment Committee

Associate professor Trisha Jean Grevengoed, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Henrik Jørn Ditzel, University of Southern Denmark, SDU
Professor Veli-Matti Kähäri, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Dermatology

Supervisors

Professor MSO Clare Louise Hawkins
CEO Morten Karsdal
Research Scientist Neel Ingemann Nissen
Director, Head of Oncology Nicholas Willumsen

Department

Department of Biomedical Sciences

Graduate Programme

Clinical Cancer Research

Place

The defence is conducted as a hybrid defence.

To attend the defence in person:
Room: The Faculty Club, room 16.6.16, Building 16, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N 

To attend the defence online:
Please follow the link to attend the defence online: https://ucph-ku.zoom.us/j/65349589515?pwd=lb92AYPkUpiBrpQMXcT2JxBMa1u53A.1
Password, if relevant: 483619

Email address to gain access to the thesis: annikahettich@posteo.de.
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.
Recipients of copies of the thesis are not allowed to share or distribute it due to copyright compliance.

Short description of the thesis

Cancer is not shaped by cancer cells alone, but also by the surrounding tissue that supports and protects them. This PhD thesis explores how cancer-associated fibroblasts help build a dense, collagen-rich tumor environment, known as tumor fibrosis, which can promote cancer progression and reduce treatment response. By using in vitro models and collagen-derived biomarkers, the work investigates how fibroblasts differ in their fibrotic activity and how these differences can be measured. The thesis also examines type XI collagen as both a biomarker and a potential target for stromal drug delivery, contributing to more precise ways of understanding and targeting the tumor microenvironment.