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Matrix and Metastasis Lab

Our lab’s creative research program integrates matrix biology with precision oncology, with a particular focus on personalised stromal targeting in solid tumours.

We aim to develop, deploy and repurpose anti-stromal/anti-fibrotic therapies for cancer treatment, and maximise the effectiveness of preclinical cancer models through the following parallel, complementary research streams:

  1. Expanding the repertoire of anti-cancer therapeutic targets to include matrix molecules and their effectors – critical component of all solid tumours – and drive forward our already established pipeline of anti-ECM drugs
  2. Continuing to develop and utilise powerful, state-of-the-art, physiologically relevant in vitro and in vivo 3D models that include native ECM, to assay and streamline the evaluation of novel and existing therapies
  3. Reshaping the way we view the matrix, from a passive bystander to an active contributor to cancer, and leverage this to better stratify cancer patients for personalised stromal targeting in solid tumours.

The Matrix and Metastasis researchers are proud to be co-founders and contributors to the Australian Pancreatic Cancer Matrix Atlas (APMA).

3D reconstruction of collagen IV matrix in a decellularised pancreas
Targeting pancreatic cancer cells

Research team