Keywords: Biomaterials, tumor microenvironment, stem cells, regenerative medicine
The overall goal of our research program is to develop pro-regenerative scaffolds and in vitro disease models using naturally derived biomaterials and innate cellular capabilities. These models can help us gain a better understanding of healthy and diseased states, and ultimately develop novel therapeutics to improve patient outcomes. Current research projects are as follows:
Creating pro-regenerative scaffolds by exploiting cell-ECM interactions
Cell-ECM interaction is key to tissue development, and the same principle applies to designing pro-regenerative scaffolds. By exploiting innate cellular ECM remodeling capabilities, we seek to develop constructs with topographical features that closely mimic native tissue architecture.
Decellularized tissue matrices as disease model substrates
Tissue decellularization technique allows attainment of native tissue ECM components and structure. These acellular scaffolds are an excellent source of 3D culture platforms, as cells embedded within will be exposed to the physicochemical cues present in the native tissues. We can leverage this technique to engineer disease models and unravel pathological progressions.
Understanding the role of extracellular vesicles in cancer progression
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), such as exosomes, microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, etc., are increasingly recognized as key mediators of disease progression, however they are still a largely unexplored component of the tumor microenvironment. By utilizing in vitro and in vivo systems, we aim to discover EVs’ contribution to various aspects of cancer progression, such as cancer cell migration and metastatic invasion, and stromal reprogramming.
