How the stiffness of tissue affects the spread of oral cancer
Official title: Material Stiffness Directs Oral Cancer Migration
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10883331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of the tissue around oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) affects how the cancer grows and spreads, which could help us find better ways to treat it.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $392,187 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA280279-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the stiffness of the tissue surrounding oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) influences the cancer's ability to invade and spread. By examining the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, the study aims to understand how these changes contribute to tumor progression and the aggressive behavior of cancer cells. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques, including ATAC sequencing, to analyze the molecular changes in cancer cells in response to their stiff environment. This could lead to new insights into how OSCC behaves and how it can be treated more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with oral cancer, potentially reducing recurrence and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of tissue stiffness has been established in other cancers, this specific investigation into OSCC is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.
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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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.