Thomas R. Cox, Aug 2020

Stromal cell diversity associated with immune evasion in human triple‐negative breast cancer

We are excited to have been part of a recent piece of work using single cell genomics to map the different cell types present with triple negative breast cancer which has recently been published in EMBO.

The work, led by Alex Swarbrick and his team here at the Garvan uncovered four new subtypes of cells within triple negative breast cancer, which contain promising new therapeutic targets for the aggressive disease. These cells produces molecules that suppress immune cells, which may help cancer cells evade the body’s immune system, and the work could lead to a new class of therapies for triple negative breast cancer.

Thomas R. Cox, Jul 2020

Plasma polymerized nanoparticles effectively deliver dual siRNA and drug therapy in vivo

We are delighted to have been part of an exciting study looking into the potential of a new class of multifunctional nanocarrier to deliver dual siRNA and drug therapy to breast tumours which was recently published in Scientific Reports.

The work was led by our collaborators Miguel Santos and Steven Wise from the Applied Materials Group at the University of Sydney who pioneered the development of these novel multifunctional nanocarriers.

Thomas R. Cox, Mar 2019

Targeting promiscuous heterodimerization overcomes innate resistance to ERBB2 dimerization inhibitors in breast cancer

We have just published a new paper in Breast Cancer Research in collaboration with lead researcher Dr. David Croucher from the Garvan Institute, looking at how and why ERBB2 (HER2) positive breast cancer cells develop resistance to targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin™).

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Thomas R. Cox, Jan 2019

The extracellular matrix as a key regulator of intracellular signalling networks

Our latest review in collaboration with Dr. David Croucher  and Dr. Dirk Fey on ‘The extracellular matrix as a key regulator of intracellular signalling networks‘ has just been published as part of a special series on ‘Translating the Matrix’ in the British Journal of Pharmacology.

Computational model of the interplay between the ECM and drug activated MAPK‐JNK signalling network.

At their simplest, cells follow a set of rules governed by their genetic code. These rules, which are executed by the protein‐based signalling networks that the genes encode, control the assimilation of information and decision‐making processes that shape a cell’s response to their surroundings.

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Thomas R. Cox, Oct 2018

Cancer cell ability to mechanically adjust to extracellular matrix stiffness correlates with their invasive potential

Just published in Molecular Biology of the Cell is our recent paper looking at the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on the intrinsic biomechanical properties of cancer cells. Led by Professors Janine Erler (Biotech Research & Innovation Centre) and Lene Oddershede (Niels Bohr Institute) both from the University of Copenhagen, the study combines optical tweezers–based microrheology and deformability cytometry with 3D biological models to dissect how cancer cells biomechanically interact with and respond to the stiffness of the microenvironment they are within.

Optical Tweezers Schematic for measuring intracellular viscosity

The results show that invasive cancer cells adjust their intracellular and overall viscoelasticity to ECM density, and that cancer cell viscosity increases during invasion into 3D collagen matrices.

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Thomas R. Cox, July 2018

Targeting stromal remodeling and cancer stem cell plasticity overcomes chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer

The Matrix and Metastasis lab is excited to have been part of a study led by A/Prof Alex Swarbrick and colleagues which has just been published in Nature Communications.

The work looked at the communication between breast cancer cells and surrounding non-cancer cells which are important in helping the tumour to grow. Using mouse models, and also a Phase I clinical trial, the team showed that the communication netween breast cancer cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in triple negative breast tumour facilitates the adoption of “stem cell-like” properties which help the tumour grow, but also to become resistant the chemotherapy. Blocking this communication slowed down tumour growth and increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Thomas R. Cox, Jan 2018

Established Models and New Paradigms for Hypoxia-Driven Cancer-Associated Bone Disease

Our new review on the how hypoxia is important in cancer-associated bone disease has just been published in Calcified Tissue International.

What is Hypoxia and why is it important in cancer?

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