Research Projects

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is believed to be one of the key drivers of cancer metastasis. The mechanochemical cues in the extracellular matrix (ECM) that induce EMT are well known but poorly understood due to the lack of in vitro models that mimics the complex in vivo environment. Our project aims to develop a DNA origami crosslinked ECM (docECM) which offers stimuli-responsive changes in mechanochemical properties. This new design principle will allow us to systematically investigate the changes of docECM stiffness and external molecular cues on the EMT in cancer. Researchers believe this project will help in developing better therapeutics that can halt cancer metastasis and reduce the mortality of the diseases in the future.