This project aims to build a comprehensive multi-tissue, multi-omic human atlas of pancreatic cancer cachexia, an underexplored but devastating complication of pancreatic cancer. Through single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics, and computational modeling, we seek to characterize the pathogenesis of cachexia at both cellular and systemic levels. This work will uncover key tumor-host communication pathways, identify functional drivers of muscle and fat wasting, and lay the groundwork for biomarker discovery and therapeutic development in PC-cachexia.

Our lab aims to:

1) Reveal the mechanisms underlying oncogenic amplifications and other forms of complex structural variation in pancreatic cancer;

2) Delineate the changes in the architecture of the genome in the different stages of cancer development and evolution;

3) Develop computational tools, sequencing assays and genomic biomarkers for cancer detection, characterisation, diagnosis and targeted therapy.
 

By understanding the spatial distribution of pathological changes, the lab aims to develop models that can predict disease progression, complications, and patient outcomes. This includes understanding how localized changes within the pancreas can affect its function and lead to conditions like pancreatic insufficiency or diabetes.

The lab may focus on studying how the tumor interacts with its surrounding microenvironment, including immune cells, blood vessels, neurons, and stromal components. This knowledge is crucial for identifying factors that promote tumor growth and metastasis, providing insights into how to disrupt these processes therapeutically.

Understanding the spatial pathology of pancreatic diseases allows for the identification of potential therapeutic targets, such as specific cell types, pathways, or tumor microenvironment features. The lab's goal is to inform people of treatment approaches that are more personalized and effective, based on the precise location and structure of disease processes.
 

The lab strives to develop and refine diagnostic techniques that can detect early-stage diseases by analyzing the spatial organization of tissues. This could involve the use of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D reconstructions, to provide a more accurate diagnosis and identify key biomarkers associated with pancreatic disorders.

By mapping the spatial patterns of diseases such as pancreatic cancer, and chronic pancreatitis the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of disease development and progression. This includes studying how tumor cells, inflammatory cells, or fibrosis are spatially organized and interact with other cells and tissues.