Researchers develop innovative organoid model to study pancreatic cancer

Model system provides insight into the growth of pancreatic tumors

For cells to grow as this multi-branched structure outside the body, they not only need the nutrients in which they can thrive. They also must be embedded in a matrix where they can form a structure through cellular division and migration. The TUM researchers used a matrix primarily composed of collagen. “By doing that we changed the mechanical conditions of the matrix in which the cells grow to permit the formation of complex structures,” says Bausch. “It is not only the biochemical conditions, but also the mechanical properties of the matrix that decisively impact growth.”  

For the formation of the organoid, the mechanical plasticity of the collagen – in other words, its ability to be reshaped – is an important factor. The forces exerted on the material through cell growth cause permanent deformation – unlike a purely elastic deformation, which would be reversible.

“This organoid system enables us to track individual growth stages of the pancreatic cancer over time, such as cell divisions and movements, as well as gene expression patterns,” says Bausch. “Until now this was simply not possible because an accessible system was lacking.”

As a next step the researchers are already working on a tumor organoid grown from human pancreatic cancer cells. “On that basis, new treatments specifically designed for the various tumor progression phases can be identified and tested,” says Reichert. The goal is to identify treatments that fight specific subtypes of the pancreatic carcinoma and are thus more effective.