Exploring the role of cancer stemness and stromal interactions in therapeutic
                          targeting of oncofetal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans in cancer











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            Number: MA/25/F1/0/018

            Flagship: 1 - Urban Health and Demographic Change
            Faculty: LFP
            Project leader: Hatina, Jiří

            The rising incidence of major cancer types in the ageing population calls for new therapeu
            Targeting cancer stem cells is a promising approach, and the project brings together compl
            expertise to address this challenge. The Pilsen group has developed reporter cell strains 

            visualization of bladder cancer stem cells, the Copenhagen group has created an innovative
            strategy, and the Warsaw group provides unique expertise in Grainy-Head-Like transcription

            which are key mediators of urothelial differentiation.

            The project builds on the Copenhagen group’s discovery that oncofetal chondroitin sulfate 

            secondary modification otherwise present only in the placenta, reappears in all malignanci
            promotes rapid growth, invasion and immune escape. This finding led to the development of 
            therapies, including a monoclonal antibody binding ofCS in cancer without affecting normal

            current research focuses on whether cancer stem cells express ofCS and how the cancer stro
            positive, using established biological models and new systems developed through manipulati
            induce or inhibit urothelial differentiation.


            The study will map the distribution of ofCS-modified antigens in bladder cancer stem cell 
            cultures with stromal cells, and test therapeutic targeting of ofCS-expressing cells with 

            conjugates. Improved cellular models will then undergo reanalysis to refine therapeutic st
            project is expected to result in a joint scientific publication or international conferenc
            while also strengthening long-term collaboration and mobility between participating groups

            University, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Warsaw, paving the way for 
            funding applications.