# Characterization of relation between tissue viscoelasticity and tumor progression in aging tissues

> **NIH NIH K25** · UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS · 2024 · $146,232

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Though a number of studies have been reported regarding how aging-associated mutations lead to the
higher incidence of cancer development and more aggressive cancer progression in elderly patients, few studies,
if any, address that how altered mechanical characteristics of the microenvironment in aging tissues affect the
course of cancer pathology. Mounting evidence strongly supports that mechanical properties of the tissues,
including elastic modulus and relaxation time, significantly contribute to the pace of tumor progression. The
reported results so far agree with the notion that the mechanical properties of aging tissues and cells are different
from those of young tissues and cells. Given that tissues are, in general, stiffer in older individuals and tissue
stiffness is known to promote tumor progression, we hypothesize that aging skin tissue, exhibiting distinct
mechanical characteristics, promotes the progression of skin cancer in elderly patients via p53-mediated
pathways. To prove this hypothesis, first, we plan to overcome the knowledge gap in the systematic quantification
of the different mechanical properties between young and aging tissues. We will measure the elastic modulus
and relaxation time of human skin tissues of different ages using a custom-built indentation-based mechanical
analyzer. Second, to systematically investigate how the altered mechanical property promotes tumor
progression, we will establish an in vitro model system in the mimicry of young and aging tissues. Third, we will
use the in vitro model system to evaluate the rate of tumor progression, p53 abundance, stability and activity in
skin cells growing in the varied mechanical/viscoelastic microenvironment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10906110
- **Project number:** 5K25AG070286-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS
- **Principal Investigator:** Seungman Park
- **Activity code:** K25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $146,232
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-15 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10906110

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10906110, Characterization of relation between tissue viscoelasticity and tumor progression in aging tissues (5K25AG070286-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10906110. Licensed CC0.

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