Identification of macrophage-based classifiers in pancreatic cancer by multidimensional tissue analysis
ProjectPreliminary analyses from our research group have revealed the presence of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) specimens, where they exhibit morphological and phenotypic features distinct from conventional macrophages. Their occurrence within the tumor microenvironment suggests a previously uncharacterized myeloid population of potential biological relevance.
Building on this preliminary evidence, this project aims to characterize PDAC-associated MGCs through integrated morphological, transcriptomic, and spatial profiling approaches. Quantitative histopathology, spatial transcriptomics, and imaging mass cytometry will be employed to define their structural features, molecular identity, and microenvironmental context. Mechanistic analyses, including assessment of DNA damage markers and chromosomal alterations, will investigate fusionindependent pathways such as polyploidization as potential drivers of MGC formation.
The expected outcome is a comprehensive characterization of MGCs in PDAC, enabling the identification of distinct markers and functional roles with possible diagnostic or prognostic relevance. These results will clarify their contribution to tumor progression and immune modulation and advance our understanding of myeloid plasticity in pancreatic cancer.
Building on this preliminary evidence, this project aims to characterize PDAC-associated MGCs through integrated morphological, transcriptomic, and spatial profiling approaches. Quantitative histopathology, spatial transcriptomics, and imaging mass cytometry will be employed to define their structural features, molecular identity, and microenvironmental context. Mechanistic analyses, including assessment of DNA damage markers and chromosomal alterations, will investigate fusionindependent pathways such as polyploidization as potential drivers of MGC formation.
The expected outcome is a comprehensive characterization of MGCs in PDAC, enabling the identification of distinct markers and functional roles with possible diagnostic or prognostic relevance. These results will clarify their contribution to tumor progression and immune modulation and advance our understanding of myeloid plasticity in pancreatic cancer.