Autologous ECM-composed scaffolds and zebrafish PDXs for individualized theragnostic in rare neuroendocrine neoplasms

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Introduction: Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a subgroup of poorly characterized rare tumors with challenging management. Identification of clinically useful biomarkers for treatment tailoring is urgently needed.

Aim(s): This study proposes the use of near-patient models based on autologous extracellular matrix (aECM)-scaffolds and zebrafish (ZF) xenografts integrated with next generation sequencing for phenotype and genotype mapping of NENs. The aim is to uncover molecular signatures associated with disease aggressiveness and to detect oncogenic vulnerabilities.

Materials and methods: Primary tumor cells isolated from NEN surgical specimens were cultured in aECM-scaffolds or injected into ZF embryos to evaluate cell proliferation, neuroendocrine differentiation, angiogenic and distant invasiveness ability. We performed transcriptome analysis of the tumor tissues compared to the healthy counterparts.

Conference:

Presenting Author: Liverani C

Authors: Calabrese C, Miserocchi G, Vanni S, Mercatali L, de Vita A,

Keywords: NGS, zebrafish, autologous scaffold, molecular determinants,