Cancer Research

Project group “Cancer Invasion”

The research of the Cancer Invasion Project Group is focused on invasion and metastasis, with particular emphasis to proteolytic and endocytic mechanisms in the cancer-directed breakdown of the extracellular matrix. These degradation processes are crucial for both cancer invasion and metastasis and are promising targets for therapeutic intervention.

Matrix degradation is accomplished by a cooperative interaction between several extracellular proteases, their regulators and binding proteins and specific endocytic receptors. In addition, there is a complex interplay between cancer cells and non-malignant stromal cells in the generation and regulation of extracellular proteolysis. For some types of cancer, this cellular interplay seems to mimic that observed in certain non-neoplastic tissue remodeling processes. At the molecular level, research in the Project Group is particularly focused on the plasminogen activation (PA) system, on a number of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and on endocytic receptors for collagen.

The field of matrix degradation and cancer invasion has now reached a stage where it presents important clinical implications. Several of the molecules involved in matrix degradation have turned out to be strong prognostic markers in various types of cancer. However, much work is still needed in basic, preclinical and clinical research in order to provide a rational basis for making the clinical application of our present insights successful. Our work is a contribution to the understanding of these processes at the molecular, cellular and physiological level, to the development of model therapeutics and to additional utilization of this knowledge in connection with cancer prognosis, diagnosis and imaging.

Details are presented under the headings of the individual research groups.

Behrendt Group

Høyer-Hansen Group

Ploug Group

Engelholm Group