Abstract

Tumours can be hypoxic nutrient-poor environments that challenge cell survival. They also have imbalanced mechanical forces due to the deposition of extracellular matrix and the breakdown of normal tissue architecture. Cancer cells that show plasticity and adaptability have a survival advantage in these harsh conditions. Our group is interested in how cancer cells adapt to these conditions. We focus mainly on pancreatic cancer, a cancer of unmet need that is highly metastatic. Lisa will discuss how cells use their creatine-phosphagen system to recycle ATP and thus boost their energy supplies for invasive migration. Osian will discuss how mitochondria can adapt to harsh tumour conditions and promote cell migration. Roberta will introduce macropinocytosis, an actin cytoskeleton-based method for cells to take up nutrients in large gulps. Finally, Shatruhan will discuss how mechanosensing affects cell mechanical properties and how this correlates with cell migration. In summary, we will discuss how the harsh tumour microenvironment drives adaptations in cells, causing them to subvert normal pathways to drive tumour aggressiveness.