Dr Paul Atherton PhD

Personal Statement

Cells throughout the body are supported by a complex and dynamic network of proteins that collectively form the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM provides mechanical support to tissues, while also acting as a source of biochemical and biophysical inputs that regulate cellular processes including proliferation, metabolism, migration, and differentiation. The ECM is continuously remodelled by cells as part of tissue homeostasis, and this often goes awry in cancer leading to profound changes in the amount, composition, and stiffness of the tumour tissue compared to normal, healthy tissue.

My research aims to understand how cells sense and respond to these changes in the tumour microenvironment, and the effect this has on cancer cell behaviour. To achieve this, we use cutting-edge microscopy techniques as well as biochemistry and mass-spectrometry approaches. Through collaborations with pathologists we aim to use patient information, including genetic alterations as well as changes in tumour ECM, to inform fundamental cell biology experiments. I am also particularly interested in understanding how cancer cells and associated cells within a tumour drive the changes in the ECM that are observed during cancer progression.