Keywords

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Multiplex Immunofluorescence; Spatial Proteomics; Comparative Spatial Biology; Pseudotime and Neighborhood Analysis

Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), one of the most common malignancies of the oral cavity, remains a clinically challenging disease due to its aggressive behavior, late-stage diagnosis, and limited improvements in therapeutic outcomes over recent decades. A significant barrier to progress in OSCC research and treatment is the lack of suitable preclinical models that recapitulate the complexity and natural progression of the disease. Most current models—including cell lines, xenografts, and genetically engineered mice—fail to capture key features such as the spatial organization of tumor epithelium, interactions with an intact immune system, and the stepwise evolution from normal mucosa to invasive carcinoma. The absence of reliable models limits our ability to advance understanding, develop new treatments, and improve diagnostic strategies for the disease. Spontaneously occurring OSCC in companion dogs presents a compelling model to fill this critical gap. Importantly, dogs experience similar environmental exposures as humans and retain fully functional immune systems, positioning them as a uniquely valuable model for studying tumor–host interactions. This project aims to characterize the molecular and spatial architecture of canine OSCC and compare it with normal canine oral mucosa and human OSCC. By identifying conserved patterns of tumor progression, cell organization, and biomarker expression, this research seeks to evaluate the potential of canine OSCC as a robust, translational model for human OSCC.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Andl, Claudia

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Biomedical Sciences

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

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Rights Statement

In Copyright