Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a crucial role in creating a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment by altering extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling (desmoplasia). This dense stroma can enable cancer cells to evade growth suppressors, promote invasion and metastasis, act as a barrier to drug diffusion, and reduce immune responses. As such, targeting CAFs and CAF-derived ECM presents a promising strategy for optimizing cancer therapies.
However, the heterogeneity of CAFs within and between individual tissues—including their collagen production and contribution to desmoplasia—poses significant challenges to this approach.
 Figure 1. The Scar-in-a-Jar (SiaJ) model is a powerful tool for CAF research | The Scar-in-a-Jar (SiaJ) model is a straightforward in vitro tool that allows us to study CAF biology and assess the direct impact of therapeutic interventions, especially those related to ECM remodeling. At Nordic Bioscience, we offer a repertoire of CAFs derived from pancreatic, lung, colon, and breast cancer. These CAFs can be stimulated with various pro-fibrotic compounds or treated with anti-fibrotic drugs. By collecting supernatant over 12 days and measuring our proprietary Nordic ProteinFingerPrint™ biomarkers, we gain valuable insights into distinct tumor microenvironments. |
Our Nordic ProteinFingerPrint™ biomarkers enable us to distinguish between different types of CAFs and their fibrotic activity. For instance, nordicPRO-C3™ (PRO-C3), supported by a Letter of Support from the FDA as a prognostic biomarker in tumor fibrosis studies, shows distinct levels in the SiaJ model of various CAFs. Not only do PRO-C3 levels vary at baseline, but CAFs also respond differently to pro-fibrotic compounds like TGF-β, the primary driver of tumor fibrosis.
Figure 2. nordicPRO-C3™ is an FDA Letter of Support supported biomarker in tumor fibrosis studies
The SiaJ model is also an effective platform for testing the efficacy of anti-fibrotic compounds. For example, the small molecule ALK5i, a TGF-β receptor inhibitor, reduces nordicPRO-C3™ levels to baseline or even lower after treatment. Additionally, biological compounds such as the anti-TGF-β antibody Fresolimumab demonstrate efficacy in the SiaJ model, by reducing PRO-C1, nordicPRO-C3™ and nordicPRO-C6™ in a dose-dependent manner, dependent on the CAF type.
Figure 3. Scar-in-a-Jar (SiaJ) is an effective platform for testing anti-fibrotic compound efficacy
Nordic Bioscience's innovative Nordic ProteinFingerPrint™ biomarkers provide critical insights into CAF heterogeneity and fibrotic activity. By leveraging the SiaJ model, we can better understand the tumor microenvironment and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions, ultimately helping patients by advancing the fight against cancer.
Search and find publications that we have published.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or other inquiries.
