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Research Programs > Basic Sciences Research Division

Matrix Structure, Assembly, and Remodeling

Research Team:  Hendrix, Jones, Khalkhali-Ellis, Kramer, Munshi, Mustoe,,Paller, Seftor, Shea, Stack, Varga, XQ Wang

Deposition and remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components impacts both cell adhesion signaling and motility and functions as a mechanism to provide key epigenetic cues from the tumor stromal microenvironment. Research in this group is focused on ECM structure and assembly, matrix proteolysis, and the functional consequences of matrix modifications to wound healing and tumor biology. A multidisciplinary approach involving cell imaging, model organism studies and bioengineering of unique 3-dimensional scaffolds is used to understand matrix structure and tumor fibrosis (Jones, Kramer, Munshi, Mustoe, Shea, Varga). A related research focus on matrix proteolysis and its impact on adhesion signaling probes the role of the tumor microenvironment in determination of tumor cell fate (Hendrix, Khalkhali-Ellis, Munshi, Paller, Seftor, Stack, XQ Wang).

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Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University
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