Solid tumors such as breast cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma are responsible for >80% of cancer deaths. These tumors consist of transformed cells along with stroma composed of fibroblasts, endothelial and immune cells. Stromal cells are known to participate extensively in tumor biology and affect cancer proliferation and spread. 

 

In addition to our projects exploring fibroblast behaviors and fibrosis in response to injury (eg. wound healing) and benign disease, we also have projects exploring cancer associated fibroblasts and tumor desmoplasia. Specifically, our research explores cancer associated fibroblast heterogeneity, gene expression, and chromatin accesssibility, as well as tumor extracellular matrix morphology.