Project information
Interplay of Cytoskeletal Dynamics and Metabolic Reprogramming: A Biophysical Reflection of EMT in Vimentin-Actin Networks in Head and Neck Cancer as a Base for Risk Stratification

This project aims to develop a robust mechanophenotypic signature for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that predicts therapy failure, early relapse and intrinsic tumor aggressiveness, ultimately paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. Conventional markers such as HPV status and TNM staging often fall short in reliably forecasting clinical outcomes, as some patients with favorable profiles still experience early relapse or poor response to standard therapies. By integrating high-throughput biophysical assessments with clinical data, our approach seeks to refine patient stratification and guide individualized therapy decisions.
Building on this clinical objective, we will investigate the biological hypothesis that vimentin-mediated mechanotransduction links cytoskeletal remodeling to mitochondrial dynamics, metabolic reprogramming, and altered cell mechanics. Recent findings suggest that vimentin serves as a critical tether for the mitochondrial network, facilitating the spatial organization of mitochondria. In parallel, mechanical cues have been shown to regulate mitochondrial fission and fusion events. We hypothesize that vimentin modulates mitochondrial dynamics in response to mechanical stimuli, thereby influencing cellular energy production and stiffness. Patient-derived HNSCC samples will be profiled using multiplex immunohistochemistry and RTDC with dual-channel fluorescence . Integration of these data through computational clustering will enable us to correlate mechanophenotypic signatures with clinical outcomes.