On Friday, December 9, 2022, we are excited to welcome Professor Adam Engler from the University of California, San Diego as he presents, "Understanding and Exploiting Cancer Mechanobiology"

ABOUT THE SEMINAR

Understanding and Exploiting Cancer Mechanobiology

Mammary epithelial cells (MECs) are classically known to respond to stiff extracellular matrix by transitioning into mesenchymal cells. While one can detect stiff tumors with manual palpation, breast cancer fibrosis is dynamic, and stiffening occurs over months to years. I will describe our efforts to mimic the onset of tumor-associated fibrosis using dynamic methacrylated-hyaluronic acid hydrogels; contrary to prior observations, we find that collective decisions by MECs in 3D acini indicate partial protection from the stiffened niche. To interpret mechano-signaling that underlies this response, I will also present our new understanding of stiffness-mediated molecular mechanisms used by MECs, e.g., Hippo/YAP/TAZ/LETS and Twist-Lyn/EPH2A. After cells leave this niche, however, mechanical changes can be exploited to improve metastatic detection. I will conclude with new data showing that we can use cell-matrix adhesion strength differences to mark metastatic cells even in mixed populations and to prospectively assess metastatic risk in human tumors.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Adam J. Engler, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of Bioengineering, Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California, San Diego

Adam J. Engler is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at UC San Diego, where he has been on the faculty since 2008. Dr. Engler’s current research focuses on how physical and chemical properties of the extracellular matrix influence or misregulate cell function and modify genetic mechanisms of disease. In particular, his lab studies this phenomenon in the context of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Dr. Engler has received numerous awards in recognition of this research, including young investigator or mid-career awards, an NIH New Innovator Award, and been named as a fellow of AIMBE and BMES.

ABOUT THE BME SEMINAR SERIES

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University is proud to host an annual weekly seminar series on the latest developments and research in Biomedical Engineering. The weekly series takes place on Friday mornings at 11:00 AM Eastern and includes a variety of renowned academics from top universities to talk about their specific research and experience. This is a hybrid event.