Exploring the Role of Collagens (COL13A1, 14A1, 15A1) in Head and Neck Cancer

 Aisha Yousaf, Verrazzano Class of 2025, completed major in Biology

Conducting my research project on the role of collagen genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been an incredibly rewarding academic and personal journey. When I first began this project, I had a general interest in head and neck cancer biology and the roles of the collagen gene family and the extracellular matrix. I didn’t fully realize how much the tumor’s surrounding structure could impact patient survival, treatment outcomes, and even the future of personalized medicine. Through months of literature review, data analysis, and discussions with my mentor, Dr. Nancy Liu-Sullivan, I’ve come to appreciate how complex and dynamic the tumor microenvironment really is.

One of the most important things I learned throughout this process is that cancer research isn’t just about targeting the tumor itself but it’s also about understanding the complex environment in which it exists. I had always thought of collagen as a structural support protein, but through my research, I discovered that different types of collagen can either promote or suppress tumor progression. Investigating COL13A1, COL14A1, and COL15A1 helped me see how even small differences in gene expression can impact overall survival for patients with HNSCC. It was both eye opening and empowering to work with real world RNA-seq data and generate Kaplan-Meier survival plots to draw meaningful conclusions about cancer outcomes.

Beyond the science, this project taught me the importance of staying curious, being persistent, and learning from mentors. The support I received helped me think more clearly, ask better questions, and solve problems in a more thoughtful way. I now feel more confident reading scientific articles, working with data, and talking about cancer biology and treatment. Most importantly, this research has motivated me to keep studying how diseases work at the molecular level and explore how discoveries in the lab/research studies can improve patient care.