The rigidity of the microenvironment around cancer cells drives invasive behavior through distinct ROCK signaling pathways, which could guide the development of specific anti-invasive therapies.

Aron Parekh, Ph.D., assistant professor of Otolaryngology, has received a four-year, $790,000 Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society to further his research into the mechanical and biological properties of cancer cells and the methods by which they leave the initial tumor and spread or metastasize to other parts of the body.

The rigidity of the bone extracellular matrix increases the ability of tumor cells to destroy bone, suggesting new targets for anticancer drug development.

A specific gene expression profile represents a novel, biologically relevant “signature” for identifying colon cancers with high risk of metastatic recurrence, Vanderbilt researchers have found.

A protein that degrades the “matrix” between cells participates in the development of lung metastases from primary breast cancer in mouse models and may be a good target for breast cancer treatment.

Vanderbilt researchers have identified a new target for blocking breast cancer metastasis.

Inhibition of BMP growth factor signaling reduces breast tumor burden and metastasis.