Project 3

PROJECT 3 explores the heterogeneity in transport barriers of pancreatic cancer as a direct result of multiple genetic aberrations seen in the disease.   Furthermore,  the effect of these most relevant genes/pathways  on the transport phenotype is dependent on the specific stage of tumor  development  (i.e.,  localized,  locally  advanced,  and  metastatic),  with  the  most  pronounced  transporft differentials anticipated to occur at early stages of tumor development. The transport phenotype offers a mechanistic explanation for the clinical observations associated with  prognostic  genomic  biomarkers  and  that  this  physical  sciences-driven  analysis  will  help  identify  novel biomarkers.  Moreover,  the  analysis  provide  the  basis  for  the  rational  design  of  innovative  therapeutic strategies.  Herein, we aim to characterize the transport phenotype as part of a broader approach for personalized medicine: the biophysical marker.