Micromechanics of Cell Activation in Cancer Metastasis

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This Research Initiation grant will allow the investigator to study tumor cell micromotion during chemotactic stimulation through both experimental observations and mathematical modeling. The specific aims are to: 1) develop a system to manipulate tumor cells during pseudopod migration, 2) determine the factors affecting pseudopod protrusion; 3) develop mathematical models for pseudopod formation and cell movement; and 4) correlate pseudopod characteristics with cytoskeletal structure. This research is important since it will contribute towards and understanding of the mechanics of metastases of tumor cells and provide basic information needed to understand physiological processes such as tissue development.