University of California San Francisco

Weaver Lab - Homepage

Principal Investigators

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Valerie M. Weaver, PhD

Professor of Surgery
Division of Surgical Oncology
Director, Center for Bioengineering & Tissue Regeneration

Valerie M. Weaver Lab

Stromal-epithelial interactions regulate tissue development and homeostasis. In particular, the extracellular matrix, which is the noncellular component of the microenvironment, influences cell growth, survival, migration and tissue-specific differentiation through a repertoire of cellular receptors including integrins, syndecans and discoidin receptors. My group is exploring the molecular mechanisms whereby these extracellular matrix receptors modulate cell fate. Specifically, we are investigating how mechanical and topological properties of the matrix, which are related to its composition and organization, regulate the function of matrix receptors to alter cell behavior. Our research program is broadly divided into two fields of inquiry. The first focuses on understanding how matrix composition and organization influences mammary tissue development and tumor progression, and the second aims to clarify the role of matrix force on embryonic and adult stem cell fate.

Publications

  1. Differential stiffness between brain vasculature and parenchyma promotes metastatic infiltration through vessel co-option.
    2024 | PubMed
  2. Tumor Cell Spatial Organization Directs EGFR/RAS/RAF Pathway Primary Therapy Resistance through YAP Signaling.
    2024 | PubMed
  3. nSMase2-mediated exosome secretion shapes the tumor microenvironment to immunologically support pancreatic cancer.
    2024 | PubMed
  4. Tumor-associated macrophages restrict CD8+ T cell function through collagen deposition and metabolic reprogramming of the breast cancer microenvironment.
    2024 | PubMed
  5. Patterning and folding of intestinal villi by active mesenchymal dewetting.
    2024 | PubMed

Our Research

Epithelial tissue morphogenesis proceeds within the context of a three dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM). Accordingly, to clarify ...
The transition of the mammary epithelium to a metastatic state is an important event that drastically increases mortality ...
Stromal-epithelial interactions drive development and maintain tissue homeostasis through a network of soluble and insoluble factors that operate ...
Human embryonic stem cell (hESc) lines are likely the in vitro equivalent of the pluripotent epiblast. hESc express ...
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