Analysing the forces, biomechanics and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis in vitro.

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The project aims to develop novel biomechanical understanding of the differentiation processes undertaken by High Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma (HGSOC) cells. The importance of the anomalous mechanical properties of tumour tissues has become increasingly apparent. Indeed, the induction of tumorigenic biochemical signalling, through the reactivation of mechanosensitive pathways in response to pathological mechanical strains, has been shown to correlate with thickening of the tumour extra cellular matrix (ECM), in turn driving tissue stiffening and the construction of physical barriers for both immune cell and therapeutic infiltration. As a result, cancers with excessive ECM deposition are particularly resistant to treatment and immune cell surveillance, linking biomechanics to prevalent clinical challenges. Greater understanding of these process requires innovative technology development.