8.1 KV10.1 in cell adhesion and migration

Partner 8 (MPG): Walter Stühmer, Luis Pardo and Frauke Alves lead WP5. The project "KV10.1 in cell adhesion and migration" that is led by Walter Stühmer and Luis Pardo aims to establish a correlation between KV10.1 activity and migration/invasion and design protocols to limit invasion using specific KV10.1 inhibitors (small molecule inhibitors & functional antibodies). The impact of KV10.1 inhibitors on metastatic potential will be evaluated by in vivo imaging.

8.2 Imaging techniques for PDAC diagnostics based on the transportome

The project "Imaging techniques for PDAC diagnostics based on the transportome" is led by Frauke Alves. Novel imaging probes including antibodies, peptides or small molecules targeting members of the transportome will be designed for diagnostic purposes to visualize PDAC in mouse models. A four laser based time-domain fluorescence imager, the Optix and the Fluorescence Molecular Tomograph, FMT will be used in conjunction with Flat-panel CT for diagnostic purposes and for monitoring therapeutic efficacy for in vivo proof of concept experiments.
Fluorescent labeled probes targeting tumor-associated proteins are applied to detect tumors in vivo as well as to evaluate novel concepts of tumor therapies. Dyes in the near-infrared range, coupled to monoclonal antibodies targeting ion channels expressed in tumor cells are injected intravenously to nude mice prior to scans with the time domain optical imager Optix MX2. (Right) A fluorescence intensity map of an immunodeficient tumor bearing nude mouse is shown after in vivo application of a fluorescently labeled antibody targeting a voltage-gated potassium channel demonstrating high accumulation of the probe within the tumor.