New Algae-Based Gel Revolutionizes Breast Cancer Research, Offering Tunable Microenvironment for Cellular Study
(Originally published by Futurity)
[Image: A visually compelling microscopic image of mammary epithelial cells growing within the algae-based gel. Focus on vibrant colors and clear cellular structures. Alt text: Mammary epithelial cells thriving in a novel algae-based gel, providing a new platform for breast cancer research.]
A groundbreaking new gel, derived from algae, is poised to transform the landscape of breast cancer research.Developed by researchers at UC Santa Barbara, this innovative material provides a highly customizable platform for studying mammary epithelial cells – the building blocks of healthy breast tissue and the origin point for many breast cancers.
The progress arose from a practical challenge. In 2020, PhD candidate Jane Baude faced a critical roadblock: a vital gel component needed for her research was unavailable due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. Rather than delay her work, Baude, guided by her advisor professor Ryan Stowers, took the initiative to engineer her own solution.
“Not only did we create something that can mimic commercially made gels, but we were able to use what we’ve made to our advantage to learn more about the cells and the material,” Baude explains.
A Tunable Microenvironment for Unprecedented Insights
Published in the prestigious journal Science Advances (https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adx2110), the research details how the team successfully created a gel that supports the growth of normal mammary gland tissue and can be precisely modified to influence cellular behavior. This “tunability” is key. By adjusting the gel’s mechanical and biochemical properties, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how a cell’s physical surroundings shape its development and potential for cancerous change.
For decades, cancer research has largely focused on genetic mutations as the primary drivers of tumor growth. However, this new research highlights the critical, often overlooked, role of the cellular microenvironment.
“The environment the cell grows in is just as critically important as its genetics,” emphasizes Stowers, who holds joint appointments in mechanical and bioengineering. “You can put the
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