Dr. Tony Haykal "Neutrophil Extracellular Traps induced by surgical stress regulate cancer metabolism leading to tumor growth" and Ruiqi Yang "Exercise training prevents exosome mediated pre-metastatic niche formation in the liver"

Tony Haykal

Title: "Neutrophil Extracellular Traps induced by surgical stress regulate cancer metabolism leading to tumor growth"

Although surgery is a crucial intervention to cure malignancies, its accompanying immune response can enhance tumor progression. Our lab has previously shown that Neutrophil Extracellular Traps (NETs) systemically released during surgical insult can contribute to this process. In this project, we aim to explore the direct effects of surgically induced NETs in regulating cancer metabolism allowing the reprogrammed cells to overcome challenging environments and leading to tumor growth and metastasis. We hope that elucidating the molecular mechanism behind this can help in identifying therapeutics to prevent the protumorigenic effects of surgical stress.

Mentors: Christof Kaltenmeier, Hamza Yazdani, Samer Tohme

Ruiqi Yang

Title: "Exercise training prevents exosome mediated pre-metastatic niche formation in the liver"

Primary tumor cells release exosomes to establish pre-metastatic niche in distant organs and initiate metastasis, which is the main prognostic factor for patients. Kupffer cells have been identified as crucial players in pre-metastatic niche development in the liver. Our lab has previously shown that exercise training alters the phenotype of Kupffer cells and attenuates tumor metastasis post-surgery. Here, we show that exercise training reduces pre-metastatic niche formation and tumor metastasis by altering cancer exosome-Kupffer cell interaction and downregulating TREM1 signaling pathway.

Mentors: Hamza Yazdani, Samer Tohme