Buchakjian Head & Neck Oncology Lab

The Buchakjian lab studies oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and is interested in clinically-relevant translational and basic science research questions. The majority of the work focuses on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion in oral cavity cancer, using a novel in vitro cell based model system. Extensions of this work include studies in paracrine signaling, secreted factors in exosomes, and metabolomics. Patient-based biospecimens such as primary tumors and serum as also used to augment basic science results. The Buchakjian lab is part of the Michigan Otolaryngology and Translational Oncoogy (MiOTO) laboratory within the Head and Neck Oncology Program (HNOP).

Research in Dr. Buchakjian’s lab focuses primarily on cellular invasion, genetic screens of invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity cancer). Oral cavity cancer occurs in the tongue, gingiva, lips, or cheeks. Treatment involves a radical surgery and microvascular reconstruction, typically followed by additional therapies after surgery such as radiation. Despite this treatment 35% of patients with advanced-stage disease will experience a recurrence.

The goal in our lab is to better understand what drives aggressive invasion in oral cavity cancer. To do this we created an EMT model system and performed a genome-wide CRISPR invasion screen on aggressive mesenchymal cells. Invasion modifying candidates were identified, with results focusing primarily on modifiers of the cellular cytoskeleton and pro-growth signaling. Current work examines candidate  and pathway validation from the invasion screen. Additional work includes examining epigenetics driving invasive phenotypes and potential targetable modifiers of aggressive behaviour in OSCC through high-throughput screens.