How the stiffness of mouth tissue affects the spread of oral cancer
Official title: Material Stiffness Directs Oral Cancer Migration
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11384087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant looks at how the stiffness of oral tissue influences the behavior of oral cancer cells and their ability to spread in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $457,460 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280279-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma or those at risk due to premalignant conditions may be eligible for related studies or future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not directly benefit if their cancer does not involve a stiff tissue environment or EMT-related pathways.
What this research studies
Researchers at UC San Diego are studying oral squamous cell carcinoma to understand how a stiff tissue environment may drive cancer cells to become more aggressive. The project uses human tissue ideas and advanced sequencing to explore how mechanical signals change cell behavior and the pathways involved in cancer progression. Findings could point to new ways to prevent or slow down the spread of oral cancer and reduce surgery-related problems. This work may eventually lead to better treatments that target the tumor environment, not just the cancer cells themselves.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with oral cancer could benefit from therapies that counteract tissue stiffness and its effects on tumor spread.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies in other cancers show that tissue stiffness can influence cancer cell behavior, supporting the potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engler, Adam J — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Engler, Adam J
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How tissue stiffness affects oral cancer spread
A researcher at UC San Diego is studying how the stiffness of mouth tissue influences the behavior of oral cancer cells in people.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.