Epithelial tumors (carcinomas) represent a majority (at least 80%) of all cancers and originate from the epithelial cells that constitute the outer layer of the skin, organ surfaces, and glands. These tumors actively expand into the surrounding tissue (tumor outgrowth), a dynamic phenomenon driven by cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasion. Epithelial tumor outgrowth imposes substantial damage to the adjacent tissue and increases the chances for cancer cells to spread systemically and form metastatic tumors in distant organs. Tumor outgrowth is dictated by the genetic/epigenetic properties of the cancer cells and their interplay with both the neighbouring healthy cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). This video journal series delves into advanced techniques for unravelling the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms underlying cancer cell proliferation, survival and invasion.  

Methodologies may include: 

Histopathological analysis of tumor and surrounding tissue in patients and in vivo models. 

In vitro and ex vivo models recapitulating epithelial tumors and their surroundings, using cell lines, organoids (tumor and healthy cells), and 2D or 3D ECM. 

Techniques for generating cancer or healthy tissue-derived organoids, ECM scaffolds, including hydrogel synthesis and tissue decellularization. 

Transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic analyses of tumors and the microenvironment. 

Strategies for detecting or interfering with gene expression and/or function. 

Techniques to analyze or manipulate: 

ECM Biochemical and biophysical properties  

Cell-ECM, and cell-cell mechanotransduction 

Paracrine signaling 

Cell cycle  

Cytoskeleton 

Join us on this series spanning translational and basic research techniques, aiming to advance our understanding on epithelial tumor progression and improving its diagnosis and treatment.