Cancer Research

Lab Location: MM 330A

Cancer

According to the American Society of Cancer, in 2023, an estimated 297,790 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed. Of these 2, 800 will be in men. Approximately 43,700 women and 530 men are expected to die from breast cancer. Metastatic cancer and its associated complications continue to contribute to the high mortality rates. Advanced detection, management, treatment and rehabilitation approaches have dramatically improved life expectancy however, early detection is key in managing the disease. In recent years focus has shifted to the nutritional contribution in cancer development and the mechanical cues that drive cancer cell adhesion, cell-cell interaction, proliferation and migration. The microenvironmental changes that affect cancer growth have the potential to improve cancer treatment, care and rehabilitation. In our work, we have identified specific nanofiber scaffolds preferred by certain sub-populations of cancer cells and unique metabolic activity between cells in suspension, traditional 2D cultures and on 3D nanofiber scaffolds. Our focus is on developing unique tools to observe and study cell behavior to gain an insight into the mechanisms that drive metastasis. 

Nanofiber Scaffolds

PCL Nanofiber scaffolds

SEM images of different morphologies


Immunostaining of MCF-7 Cells (treated with 20μM fructose-like small molecule)

CK18(Green), Nucleus (Red); 20X magnification

Immunostaining of MDAMB-231 Cells (treated with 20μM fructose-like small molecule)

CK18(Green), Nucleus (Red); 20X magnification

Cancer Cell Migration in Media



72-hr time-lapse

Cancer Cell Migration in Media + Fructose-like Small Molecule (20μM)

72-hr time-lapse

Cancer Cell Migration in Media + Fructose-like Small Molecule (50μM)

72-hr time-lapse

Related literary works

2020