D. Wirtz

qMAP Enabled Microanatomical Mapping of Human Skin Aging

This study introduces qMAP, a deep learning-based workflow for microanatomical mapping of human skin, identifying 10 core processes strongly associated with aging and achieving age prediction accuracy comparable to epigenetic clocks.

A 3D in vitro assay to study combined immune cell infiltration and cytotoxicity

This paper introduces a 3D in vitro assay to study immune cell infiltration and cytotoxicity in solid tumors, showing it captures key steps of immune cell interaction with the tumor microenvironment.

Engineering self-propelled tumor-infiltrating CAR T cells using synthetic velocity receptors

This paper develops velocity receptors (VRs) to enhance CAR T cell migration through solid tumors, improving tumor infiltration and survival.

Three-dimensional assessments are necessary to determine the true, spatially-resolved composition of tissues

This study shows that 3D assessments are necessary to accurately determine tissue composition and neoplastic content, as 2D methods under-sample spatial heterogeneity.

Power-law growth models explain incidences and sizes of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions and confirm spatial genomic findings

The paper uses AI-based 3D tissue mapping to show PanIN lesion sizes follow a power-law distribution and identifies growth mechanisms driving pancreatic cancer precursor lesions.

Mechano-induced homotypic patterned domain formation by monocytes

This study shows human monocytes form patterned multicellular domains on soft matrices through local adhesion and global inhibition, with a computational model validating the mechanism.

Small extracellular vesicles promote stiffness-mediated metastasis

The paper shows that breast cancer cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) become more adhesive and metastatic when produced in stiff matrices, promoting cancer spread through enhanced chemotaxis and fibroblast reprogramming.

Precision-engineered biomimetics: the human fallopian tube

The paper develops a precision-engineered multi-compartment organoid model of the human fallopian tube validated against a 3D single-cell reference map.

Serine synthesis pathway upregulated by E-cadherin is essential for the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancers

This study shows that E-cadherin upregulates the serine synthesis pathway in breast cancer cells, supporting proliferation and metastasis by providing metabolic precursors and resistance to oxidative stress.

Age-related increases in fibroblasts-secreted IGFBP2 increase melanoma cell invasion and lipid synthesis.

This study shows that aged fibroblasts secrete more IGFBP2, which promotes melanoma cell invasion and lipid synthesis, and that neutralizing IGFBP2 reduces tumor growth and metastasis.

Three-dimensional genomic mapping of human pancreatic tissue reveals striking multifocality and genetic heterogeneity in precancerous lesions

This study uses 3D imaging and genomic analysis to show that human pancreatic precancerous lesions (PanINs) are highly multifocal and genetically heterogeneous.

Tumor proliferation and invasion are coupled through cell-extracellular matrix friction

This study shows tumor proliferation and invasion are linked through cell-ECM friction, using in vitro and computational models to demonstrate the role of E-cadherin and matrix properties.

MLL1 regulates cytokine-driven cell migration and metastasis

This study shows MLL1 promotes cancer metastasis by regulating cytokine secretion and actin dynamics, and its inhibition reduces metastasis when combined with chemotherapy.

PanIN and CAF Transitions in Pancreatic Carcinogenesis Revealed with Spatial Data Integration

This paper develops a new protocol for spatial transcriptomics analysis of FFPE PanIN specimens and integrates it with imaging and scRNA-seq to study the progression from PanIN to PDAC.

Mechanotransductive feedback control of endothelial cell motility and vascular morphogenesis

This study identifies a mechanotransductive feedback loop involving YAP and TAZ that regulates endothelial cell motility and vascular morphogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Senescent stroma induces nuclear deformations in cancer cells via the inhibition of RhoA/ROCK/myosin II-based cytoskeletal tension

This study shows senescent stroma reduces cancer cell nuclear tension via RhoA/ROCK/myosin II inhibition, leading to morphological changes linked to malignancy.

Deep Learning Identification of Stiffness Markers in Breast Cancer

This study uses deep learning to identify stiffness markers in breast cancer tissue, finding that straight collagen percentage best correlates with tissue stiffness.

In situ characterization of the 3D microanatomy of the pancreas and pancreatic cancer at single cell resolution

The paper develops a method to reconstruct 3D pancreatic tissue at single-cell resolution and maps cancer invasion modes in the tumor microenvironment.

E-cadherin interacts with EGFR resulting in hyper-activation of ERK in multiple models of breast cancer

This study shows E-cadherin interacts with EGFR to hyper-activate ERK, promoting proliferation in breast cancer models and identifying a potential therapeutic target.

Multi-compartment tumor organoids

This paper develops a high-throughput microtechnology to create multi-compartment tumor organoids that mimic tumor microenvironments and improve drug response and tumor progression studies.

Fractional re-distribution among cell motility states during ageing

The paper shows that ageing reduces cell motility heterogeneity by redistributing cells among motility states rather than uniformly decreasing motility.

The role of integrin αv and CD44 in GBM migration in human brain

This study uses human organotypic brain slices to examine GBM cell motility, finding that CD44 knockdown reduces motility more than ITGAV knockdown.

YAP/TAZ as a Novel Regulator of cell volume

This study identifies YAP/TAZ as regulators of single-cell volume, showing their role extends beyond cell cycle duration and shape, and they influence division volume independently of mTOR.

Role of Membrane-tension Gated Ca Flux in Cell Mechanosensation

The paper demonstrates that membrane tension-sensitive calcium currents and ion channels regulate Rho GTPase and myosin contraction, and that YAP translocates in response to mechanical compression.