Understanding the molecular cross-talk between head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) in tumor progression. The major part of HNSCC tumor is consist of TAFs. Emerging evidence demonstrates molecular crosstalk between HNSCC and TAFs in tumor progression. Our lab is in the process of identifying signaling molecules involved in the cross-talk between HNSCC and TAFs. Specifically, the signaling molecules involved in metabolic-symbiosis between TAFsand HNSCC. Fibroblasts also play a critical role in radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF). RIF is an adverse effect of radiation therapy in cancer patients that has a significant impact on the quality-of-life. Most head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy develop RIF. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic interventions to mitigate this condition. Our lab is developing pre-clinical models for RIF with a goal of finding new therapeutic targets for intervention.