Tumor Microenvironment Initiative:

The NCI launched the TMEN initiative in 2006 with the funding of 10 TMEN Programs. The primary objective of the Tumor Microenvironment initiative is to delineate mechanisms of tumor-host interactions in cancer by: generating a comprehensive understanding of stromal composition; understanding the role of stroma in normal tissues; and discerning the role of stroma in tumor initiation, progression and metastases. A second, but equally important component of the tumor microenvironment initiative is the Tumor Microenvironment Network. As members of the Network, each program grantee participates in collaborative efforts with other Network members to develop resources such as repositories of critical reagents and information.

Scientific Goals of Individual Programs:

The broad scientific goals of the ten individual research programs focus on 1) pursuing defined biology driven projects; 2) delineating biological mechanisms governing the tumor microenvironment interaction; and 3) specific tumor sites, using human cancer tissues and/or models. Specific scientific objectives may include, but are not limited to:

• Characterization of the functions of and interactions among the component cells and matrix molecules in normal organ and tumor-associated stroma;
• Characterization of the role of the inflammatory and immune cells in the initiation, progression and metastasis of the tumor
• Identification of tumor cells (and other relevant stem cells within the stroma) and characterization of the interactions between stromal cells and tumor stem cells
• Identification of alterations in the microenvironment which are critical for tumor development, progression, and metastasis, and elucidation of the mechanisms responsible for these changes; and
• Development of novel technologies and model systems for the study of the microenvironment.

TMEN Network

The TMEN Network, a collaborative effort of the TMEN investigators, works toward identifying and developing resources by leveraging expertise of the individual members, generating novel reagents and technologies and disseminating information and resources of importance and interest to the research community.

Network Scientific Goals

• Create novel in vitro 3-D matrix reconstitution, organotypic models or animal models
• Establish efficient techniques to isolate and purify stromal cells from normal and tumor tissues
• Identify and characterize stromal markers
• Develop molecular profiling and immunological tools to identify stromal markers
• Develop dynamic and real time in vivo imaging techniques suitable for visualizing molecules, cells, and tumors.

TMEN Workgroups

Seven Working Groups facilitate the work of the TMEM: three focus on science and four on resource development. Composed of TMEN investigators, these working groups develop and identify resources and initiatives to bring to the Network to enhance the scientific investigation of the tumor microenvironment. The seven groups include:

Science Oriented Groups

• Tumor Stem Cells
• Bone Marrow Derived Cells
• TGFβ, Chemokines & secreted Factors

Resource Development Groups

• Antibody Core
• Imaging
• Extracellular Matrix
• TMEN Informatics and Portal Development