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Identifier

000463263

Title

Deciphering tumor-nerve interactions: combining in silico and in vivo approaches

Alternative Title

Διερεύνηση της αλληλεπίδρασης καρκινικών και νευρικών κυττάρων: υπολογιστικές και πειραματικές προσεγγίσεις

Author

Σωτηροπούλου, Μαρία-Άννα Κ.

Thesis advisor

Βαμβακάκη, Μαρία

Reviewer

Λώλας, Γεώργιος
Jensen, Lasse

Abstract

Recent studies show that nerves play a major role in tumor initiation, growth, as well as dissemination, leaving aside the long-lasting perception of nerves as passive bystanders of the tumor microenvironment. It was the work by Magnon [1] that back in 2013, highlighted the process of tumor induced neurogenesis, where cancer cells secrete neurotrophic factors that could trigger the genesis of a new neural network in the tumor vicinity, in a similar manner that new blood and lymphatic vessels generate. The investigation of the dynamic interplay between nerves and tumor generated a new field in cancer research called “cancer neuroscience” or “exoneural cancer biology”. The aforementioned neural cancer processes are controlled by both deterministic and stochastic phenomena. In the current thesis, we will construct an agent-based model of neuron-cancer interactions in order to incorporate both aspects (stochastic and deterministic). Agent-based model, an in silico approach, simulates the interactions of decision-making entities (or agents) over time based on a set of rules. In addition, we will experimentally validate as well as calibrate our model with experiments utilizing zebrafish larvae and biodegradable (mPEG-b-PLLA diblock) polymeric nanocarriers (nanoparticles) controlling drug release. Lastly, we will also explore the effect of chronic stress, through the activation of the neuronal system, on tumor growth and dissemination.

Language

English

Subject

Agent-based model

Chronic stress

Drug release

Nanoparticles

Nerve-Cancer

Neurogenesis

Polymeric nanocarriers

Tumor microenvironment

Zebrafish larvae