MetaDiC - Serum Metabolomics and patient-derived knockout models

The development of effective treatment as well as predictive, disease-specific diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is hampered by the lack of valid target structures and biomarkers. The MetaDiC project is based on the following assumptions: 1. Changes in serum metabolites induced by reprogramming tumor cells can be quantified and transmitted to a diagnostic test for pancreatic cancer; 2. The predictive value of patient-derived 3d Organoid and Xenograft mouse models combined with CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology to validate target structures exceeds those of classical, adherent cell culture models and immortalized cell lines by far.
Using serum samples of well-defined patient cohorts, the MetaDiC partners will develop a metabolomic assay kit prototype to diagnose pancreatic cancer. In addition, CRISPR/Cas9-based target gene knockouts are generated in 3D Organoid and Xenograft models from pancreatic cancer patients. These patient-derived CRISPR model systems form the basis for a more efficient preclinical platform for target validation and drug development. Samples taken in the course of compound sensitivity tests in these model systems are used to confirm the predictive value of the metabolomoic assay kit prototype.