Research
Welcome to the Cress Lab
Cress Lab is dedicated to understanding molecular mechanisms tumor cellular invasion and metastasis in human systems. Specifically, we study the regulation of cell surface molecules (called integrins) and their biosensing role in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Among our many contributions, my research team discovered that laminin adhesion structures are dramatically altered early in stimulated migration resulting in successful invasion, metastasis, and drug or radiation resistance. We have contributed peer-reviewed publications in this area and developed three approaches to interrupt cell adhesion to laminin: (1) using cyclized peptides, (2) deploying small molecules, and/or (3) using a function-blocking antibody.
Our model proposes that the heterogeneity of cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion receptors is an important driver of aggressive tumor networks with functional consequences for progression. Phenotype heterogeneity of the tumor provides a biophysical advantage for tumor network invasion through the tensile muscle and survival of the tumor network. We hypothesize that a functional epithelial-mesenchymal cooperation (EMC) exists within the tumor invasive network to facilitate tumor escape from the primary organ, invasion and traversing of muscle, and navigation to metastatic sites.
Currently, we have uncovered a novel role of laminin-binding integrins (LBIs: α3β1, α6β1, α6β4, and α7β1) in coordinating different adhesion complexes, including focal adhesions, to enable the migration of tumor cell networks during muscle invasion and metastatic dissemination. My research group has recently developed optogenetic tools, specific to the LBIs, to track them at high resolution under live cell imaging conditions. We use these tools for determining the spatial and temporal coordination of the receptors during invasive tumor cell cluster network formation. We have recently combined this with single-cell transcriptomics in FFPE tissue to understand the functional heterogeneity that exists in tumors and how this influences therapeutic vulnerability.
I have trained and mentored more than 52 students at all levels for professional careers in the medical and biological sciences and biotechnology. Curiosity coupled with quantitative skills is a rare combination in students that I have had the honor to nurture. I am proud that many past students are now either Professors at major U.S. Universities, leaders in biotechnology, or full partners in prestigious patent law firms specializing in biotechnology. All these students were very intelligent, highly motivated, and perhaps most importantly, persistent in their pursuit of excellence. I view my contribution to their career path as a valuable addition to science that could not have been accomplished without my own scientific curiosity and pursuit of peer-reviewed biomedical research.
