Väitös (biokemia): MSc Ujjwal Suwal
Aika
23.5.2025 klo 12.00 - 16.00
MSc Ujjwal Suwal esittää väitöskirjansa ”Matrisome and Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Progression” julkisesti tarkastettavaksi Turun yliopistossa perjantaina 23.5.2025 klo 12.00 (Turun yliopisto, Medisiina C, Osmo Järvi -luentosali, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku).
Vastaväittäjänä toimii dosentti Markku Varjosalo (Helsingin yliopisto) ja kustoksena professori Jyrki Heino (Turun yliopisto). Tilaisuus on englanninkielinen. Väitöksen alana on biokemia.
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Tiivistelmä väitöstutkimuksesta:
Cancer is like weeds in the garden, and the soil (matrisome) along with other stuff around it, resembles the “tumor microenvironment” (TME). This TME plays a crucial role in how the “weeds” grow, spread, and even resist herbicides (cancer treatment). However, we still do not fully understand all the components of this soil and how they communicate with the weeds.
In my doctoral research, first, I looked at a specific change called citrullination in the tumor matrisome. It turns out that this change is not a common occurrence in cancer, and it seems to happen when there is inflammation around the tumor. Second, I found that a key protein of the tumor matrisome, called laminin-332 is produced exclusively by the cancer cells in a very common type of skin cancer named cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This protein has been found to help the tumor grow and spread. Third, I studied how vital immune cells called macrophages (like key stuffs around the soil) in the TME impact the cancer matrisome and the cancer cells. I found that one type of macrophage (M2-like) can even reshape the structure and composition of the matrisome, creating a supportive environment for the cancer cell growth and invasion of other tissues. I also found that macrophages can change their behavior depending on the environment.
My research helps to understand the complex environment around the tumors better. My work shows that cancer treatment requires targeting not only the cancer cells but also the microenvironment around them. By understanding the key components of the TME that enhance tumor growth and immune suppression, my research opens new possibilities for targeted therapies that can disrupt these processes. Additionally, my use of advanced 3D spheroid models provides a powerful tool to study cancer interactions that closely resemble real tumors.
Vastaväittäjänä toimii dosentti Markku Varjosalo (Helsingin yliopisto) ja kustoksena professori Jyrki Heino (Turun yliopisto). Tilaisuus on englanninkielinen. Väitöksen alana on biokemia.
***
Tiivistelmä väitöstutkimuksesta:
Cancer is like weeds in the garden, and the soil (matrisome) along with other stuff around it, resembles the “tumor microenvironment” (TME). This TME plays a crucial role in how the “weeds” grow, spread, and even resist herbicides (cancer treatment). However, we still do not fully understand all the components of this soil and how they communicate with the weeds.
In my doctoral research, first, I looked at a specific change called citrullination in the tumor matrisome. It turns out that this change is not a common occurrence in cancer, and it seems to happen when there is inflammation around the tumor. Second, I found that a key protein of the tumor matrisome, called laminin-332 is produced exclusively by the cancer cells in a very common type of skin cancer named cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This protein has been found to help the tumor grow and spread. Third, I studied how vital immune cells called macrophages (like key stuffs around the soil) in the TME impact the cancer matrisome and the cancer cells. I found that one type of macrophage (M2-like) can even reshape the structure and composition of the matrisome, creating a supportive environment for the cancer cell growth and invasion of other tissues. I also found that macrophages can change their behavior depending on the environment.
My research helps to understand the complex environment around the tumors better. My work shows that cancer treatment requires targeting not only the cancer cells but also the microenvironment around them. By understanding the key components of the TME that enhance tumor growth and immune suppression, my research opens new possibilities for targeted therapies that can disrupt these processes. Additionally, my use of advanced 3D spheroid models provides a powerful tool to study cancer interactions that closely resemble real tumors.
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