The immunosuppressive environment of colorectal cancer, single cell and functional characterization

The TME demonstrates a diverse cellular composition, is largely responsible for the response to immunotherapy and is closely related to risk of metastasis and outcome. To that end, we propose to utilize an unbiased scRNA-seq approach, aiming to examine the level of heterogeneity in colorectal cancer cells types and states, and to unravel the phenotypical aspects and and interrelationships among the colorectal cancer ecosystem as well as their functional characterization. As a consequence, we intend to develop advanced biomarkers to groups of patients who display similar features and generate data to bring benefit for selecting therapeutic regimen as well as therapeutic development.