Research

Using microfluidics, the Sewell-Loftin Lab develops novel microtissue models to investigate how various biomechanical parameters alter cell behaviors. These platforms allow for isolation of biomechanical and biochemical factors, creating a highly modular system that can be customized to a wide variety of experimental setups.

Understanding how mechanical factors alter tumor progression and angiogenesis will permit the development of novel treatment strategies. This part of the Sewell-Loftin Lab focuses on two distinct factors: cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and endothelial cells (ECs).

CAFs – Activated, myofibroblast-like stromal cells present in the tumor microenvironment. Our work supports the argument that CAFs promote mechanical perturbations in the ECM which can promote angiogenesis. Ongoing projects include investigating precisely how CAFs regulate the biomechanical tumor microenvironment.

ECs – During angiogenesis, an endothelial cells is activated to form a tip cell. The tip cell is migratory, and promotes remodeling of the ECM to lead the nascent blood vessel growth towards the source of the pro-angiogenic signaling. Previous studies suggest that tip cell formation may be regulated by mechanical forces. Our lab aims to discover which receptors on ECs respond to such signals.