Effect of matrix stiffness on ionomics and drug resistance in ovarian cancer

Extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness provides signals that control cell proliferation, differentiation and death in both physiological and pathological conditions. The proposal aims to investigate the relationship between ECM stiffness and cancer invasion and, in turn, the abundance of endogenous ions and metal within the TME. We will conduct XRF analyses to analyze the effect of substrate rigidity on the distribution of Zinc, Calcium and Sulphur in ECM deposited by ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, we will investigate whether the same metals and other ions show a different pattern of distribution in the ECM secreted by ovarian cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. This investigation may have translational value, for instance, suggesting targeting of ECM stiffness and metal chelators to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.