Publications

Abstract Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key drivers of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling in the tumor microenvironment (TME), processes that facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. However, CAFs exhibit significant heterogeneity and functional complexity, posing challenges for effective therapeutic targeting. In this study, we evaluated the production of three important ECM proteins – type I […]

Abstract BACKGROUND Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an uncommon malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. BTC is typically characterized by a desmoplastic, collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM), which has been linked to immune exclusion and therapy resistance. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) combined with gemcitabine/cisplatin have become first-line treatment for advanced BTC, durable responses […]

Abstract BACKGROUND EMID1 and EMID2 (also known as type XXVI collagen) are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that belong to the EDEN gene superfamily. Both proteins feature EMI domains, implicating them in protein-protein interactions and ECM remodeling. Despite structural similarities EMID1 and EMID2 have distinct functions with EMID1 primarily expressed in epithelial cells and EMID2 in […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The role of stroma in esophagogastric cancer is ambiguous, with both tumor-promoting and tumor-restrictive properties. Several non-invasive biomarkers of stroma have recently been identified, but their relationship with stromal composition and clinical outcome in esophagogastric cancer remains insufficiently understood. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the association of serum stromal biomarkers with overall survival […]

Abstract Fibroblast-driven deposition of extracellular matrix, particularly type III collagen, is linked to poor outcomes in patients with liver fibrosis, fibrotic solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma and pancreatic cancer as well as in patients with other fibrotic diseases. The pro-peptide of type III collagen (PRO-C3) serves as a serum biomarker of active collagen formation. […]

Abstract PURPOSE There is an unmet need for new treatment options and biomarkers for patients with glioblastoma (GBM). Here we investigated three non-invasive biomarkers: type VI collagen degraded by granzyme B (C4G) and matrix metalloproteases (C4M), respectively, and ADAM10-degraded Tau (Tau-A). METHODS Biomarker levels in pre- and on-treatment serum samples from patients with recurrent GBM […]

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein Beta-Ig H3 (βigH3, also known as transforming growth factor β induced protein (TGFBI)) is related to poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Proteolytic cleavage of βigH3 has been shown to result in release of the N-terminal fragment covering amino acid 1 to 137, but whether the […]

Abstract The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the common denominator of more than 50 chronic diseases. Some of these chronic pathologies lead to enhanced tissue formation and deposition, whereas others are associated with increased tissue degradation, and some exhibit a combination of both, leading to severe tissue alterations. To develop effective therapies for diseases affecting the […]

Abstract BACKGROUND The collagen-rich tumor stroma plays a crucial role in biliary tract cancer (BTC). Collagen biomarkers of type I collagen (reC1M), type III collagen (PRO-C3), type IV collagen (C4G), type VIII collagen (PRO-C8), type XI collagen (PRO-C11), type XVII collagen (PRO-C17) and type VIII collagen (TUM) may be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers. METHODS […]

Abstract OBJECTIVES Current knowledge on the fibro-inflammatory process underlying chronic pancreatitis originates from animal studies or human studies based on circulating biomarkers. To provide new insight into the underlying fibro-inflammatory processes, we simultaneously assessed fibrosis biomarkers in pancreatic fluid collections and the systemic circulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective observational cross-sectional study included patients with […]