Canadian Biomaterials Society
Société Canadienne des Biomatériaux

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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