The role of osteocyte mechanical loading on prostate cancer cell metastatic potential and quiescence
Supervisor: Dr. Lidan You
Bone metastasis causes devastating complications for advanced-stage prostate cancer patients. Recently, in vivo studies have demonstrated that exercise can attenuate prostate tumour progression in bone and preserve bone tissue. As the major mechanosensors of bone, the role of osteocytes in the context of prostate cancer bone metastasis warrants further investigation. My thesis focuses on how osteocytes regulate early-stage prostate cancer bone metastasis as well as dormant disseminated prostate cancer cells in bone. To do so, I leverage the use of 3D microfluidic platforms to study how osteocytes subjected to physiological levels of fluid shear stress regulate prostate cancer cell 1) extravasation 2) colonization of the endosteal niche and 3) quiescence within the bone marrow perivascular microenvironment
Keywords: osteocytes; mechanobiology; microfluidics; prostate cancer
Techniques: microfluidics
Kimberly Seaman
Contact Information
- University of Toronto
Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering - 5 King's College Rd,
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G8 - Email: kimberly.seaman@utoronto.ca
- Home: 647-801-9520
- Membership#C243032
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