Our scientific work mainly deals with the question how cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions and their associated signaling networks change during the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Despite modern therapeutic advances the mortality rate of patients suffering from OSCC is still about 50%. One reason for this the lack of specific tumor markers for premalignant and malignant OSCC stages. In our work we focus on calcium dependent adhesion molecules , cadherins, which are responsible for the maintainance of cell junctions and epithelial architecture. Additionally we investigate secreted Proteins which negatively influence the tumor microenvironment leading to migration and invasion or increased proliferation. Truncated forms of P-cadherin or the facit collagen XVI seem to play a major role during OSCC progression.
Cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions during the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma