Central Theme: Cancer Stem Cell Bioengineering
Our laboratory's foundational mission is the bioengineering of cancer stem cell (CSC) niches. By investigating the mechanotransduction and biological signaling pathways that govern CSC self-renewal and differentiation, we aim to bridge critical gaps in translational medicine and develop highly accurate, bioengineered in vitro disease models.
Image rendering assisted by Gemini AI; conceptualized and refined by Y. Kim.
Research Projects
1. Brain Tumor Modeling
Recapitulating the Human Tissue Extracellular Matrix
To better understand highly aggressive brain cancers, our lab engineers miniaturized, 3D glioblastoma organoids (GBOs) using patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells. A major focus of this work is the accurate recapitulation of the native human tissue extracellular matrix (ECM). These advanced models allow us to consistently reproduce the complex intratumor and intertumor heterogeneity found in actual patient tissues, providing a far more accurate platform for study than traditional 2D cultures.
Recent Publications:
- Avera et al., (2025), Characterization of Native Extracellular Matrix of Patient-Derived Glioblastoma Multiforme Organoids. Tissue Eng Part A
- Avera and Kim, (2025), Bioengineering Stem Cell-Derived Glioblastoma Organoids: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals
2. Advanced Biomanufacturing
Scalable Production of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) and Organoids
Transitioning sophisticated bioengineered models from the benchtop to widespread clinical utility requires robust, scalable bioprocessing. We are developing advanced biomanufacturing techniques to standardize and scale the production of cellular and sub-cellular therapeutics. Key areas of active innovation in our lab include the scalable biomanufacturing and isolation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the generation of spatially organized tumor microenvironments via transdifferentiation.
Recent Publication:
- Park et al., (2022), Biomanufacturing of glioblastoma organoids exhibiting hierarchical and spatially organized tumor microenvironment via transdifferentiation. Biotechnology and Bioengineering
3. Metastasis & Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
Fluid Shear-Induced Vesiculation and Circulating Tumor Cells
Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. To study how cancer spreads through the vascular system, we utilize custom-developed fluid shear stress models. We specifically investigate how physiological fluid shear stress impacts the traits of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and induces the release of extracellular vesicles in breast cancer models. By understanding these mechanically induced changes, we aim to uncover new targets for halting metastatic spread.
Recent Publications:
- Brown et al., (2024), Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Modulation of Stem-like Phenotype in Breast Cancer Cells under Fluid Shear Stress. Biomolecules
- Park et al., (2022), Fluid shear stress enhances proliferation of breast cancer cells via downregulation of the c-subunit of the F1FO ATP synthase. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
4. Novel Therapeutics
Targeted Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
In collaboration with inorganic chemists, we are developing a new class of targeted therapies that minimize off-target effects on healthy tissue. Our research evaluates novel photosensitizers, such as ruthenium-based complexes, that can be activated by focused light within the unique tumor microenvironment. Upon excitation, these compounds selectively and effectively induce tumor cell death.
Recent Publications:
- Oladipupo et al., (2026), Photophysical and Biological Properties of Diprotic Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Extended π‑Systems. Organometallics
- Oladipupo et al., (2023), Ruthenium Complexes with Protic Ligands: Influence of the Position of OH Groups and π Expansion on Luminescence and Photocytotoxicity. International Journal of Molecular Sciences
5. Organoid-Based Drug Screening
High-Throughput Platforms to Overcome Drug Resistance
The ultimate goal of our bioengineered organoid platforms is to accelerate the discovery of new, effective treatments. We are adapting our 3D organoid models for drug screening applications. By utilizing platforms that accurately mimic the human tumor microenvironment and retain cancer stem cell populations, we can better identify therapeutics capable of overcoming clinical drug resistance and improving patient outcomes.
Recent Publications:
- Nakod et al., (2022), The impact of temozolomide and lonafarnib on the stemness marker expression of glioblastoma cells in multicellular spheroids. Biotechnology Progress
- Magrath et al., (2020), In vitro demonstration of salinomycin as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of SOX2-positive glioblastoma cancer stem cells. Oncology Reports