Matrix Rigidity Regulates Osteolytic Gene Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

摘要

OSCCs present challenging clinical issues, but there are similarities to metastatic tumors of common cancers (e.g. breast, lung, and prostate) that can potentially be exploited for therapeutic targets. 2D PUR films and 3D PUR scaffolds with porosity and pore size comparable to trabecular bone can be tuned to mimic both soft and hard tissue. These biomaterials offer unique opportunities to investigate the effects of matrix rigidity on tumor cells that have been shown to metastasize to many different tissues in the body. Specifically, this model will allow for molecular signaling studies and testing of potential inhibitors of the mechanotransduction pathway that can be clinically translated to tumor-targeting therapies.