Bioengineering the Cellular and Matrix Microenvironment of the Tumor-Stroma

Dear Colleagues,

The importance of the native stroma to cancer and tumor progression is well established. The interplay of cancerous cells with both cells and the matrix of the native stroma can both aid and prevent the progression of cancer. The development of complex, biomimetic and humanized tumor models will advance our understanding of this process.

This Special Issue will highlight critical research in this area, where advanced 3D models are utilized to shed light on the interplay of the tumor with the surrounding stroma. Biomimetic factors include matrix composition, stiffness, oxygen state, geometry, chemotactic and haptotactic gradients as well as the cellular composition of the stroma. In particular the introduction of an active immune component and functional vasculature to both tumor and stroma models will provide opportunities to thoroughly interrogate the interplay between these two interdependent components. The development of biomimetic models will provide breakthroughs in our understanding of fundamental cancer biology.

Prof. Dr. Umber Cheema
Guest Editor

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