Engineered Models and Mechanisms in Cancer (EM²C)

Models to Medicine Center

Broad expertise with engineering in vitro models

Members of the Engineering Models and Mechanisms in Cancer (EM²C) research theme have broad expertise with engineering in vitro models to mimic the complexity of tumors and identification of novel therapeutic targets using primary human tissues. Epidemiology is also a strength among the researchers in EM²C providing insights into risk factors and potential targets. This work is complemented by investigations of the molecular basis for variation among individuals using primary cultures of cells and tissues. Although most cancers have shown a steady decline since the 1930s, incidence of breast cancer has increased. Therefore, investigators within the Theme have developed coordinated resources to study mechanisms responsible for the prevalence of breast cancer. This model is being extended to other cancers. The investigators in EM²C use a range of spontaneous and transplantable tumor models in rodents as well as primary human tissues and conditionally immortalized breast epithelial cell cultures with which to validate pathways and drug targets.

Contact Information
Joseph Jerry, Veterinary and Animal Sciences

The EM2C Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month in LSL S330E. Please check the PVLSI website for details.

Resources

M2M Research Theme

Biomarkers, Diagnostics & Risk Assessment

The members curate extensive tissue and patient resources with an emphasis on breast cancer. The Breast Milk Project (Arcaro) has evaluated the epigenetic status of breast epithelial cells as well as the prevalence of environmental contaminants in the milk to assess exposures and subsequent risk. The epigenetic landscape is also analyzed to provide biomarkers of environmental exposures (Pilsner, Vandenberg) and clinical outcomes such as Tamoxifen resistance (Arcaro, Otis).

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M2M Research Theme

Metabolism and Cancer

The energetic demands of cancer cells have been described as the “sweet tooth” of cancer. The metabolic adaptations of cancer cells were realized over 80 years ago, but recent studies revealed important interactions with metabolism of the host tissues.

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M2M Research Theme

Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy

Natural products found in plant extracts have provided guides for novel therapeutics. As diet is one the most accessible lifestyle modifications, nutritional management and the mechanisms targeted offer strategies for blocking tumors. Compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs have been identified that inhibit tumors (Liu, Schneider, Xiao).

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M2M Research Theme

Organ Mimics

The availability of models that recapitulate the complex environments within tumors and allow high throughput screening of drugs has been a major limitation in the drug development pipeline.

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