3D whole-cell models to map how cancer mutations change cells
Project 3: From Networks and Structures to Hierarchical Whole Cell Models of Cancer
This project builds 3D molecular and computer maps of tumor cells to show how different mutations alter cell structure and how tumors may respond to treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169875 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine lab measurements (like cryo-electron microscopy and mass‑spectrometry of protein interactions) with advanced computational modeling to build multiscale 3D maps of tumor cells. They will begin by modeling key protein complexes such as PIK3CA‑HER3 and mTOR, then connect those structures into larger cellular networks. The team will integrate genetic interaction datasets and other molecular data from cancer samples to see how specific mutations change cell wiring. The hierarchical whole‑cell models aim to help predict tumor behavior and point to new targets for therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer or other solid tumors who can provide tumor tissue, genomic profiling, or consent to have their tumor data used for research are the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without solid tumors, those unable or unwilling to provide tumor samples or data, or those seeking immediate personal treatment changes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these models could reveal which mutations drive cancer and highlight new, more precise targets or strategies for treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Techniques like cryo-EM and mass‑spectrometry have successfully mapped many protein complexes, but integrating these data into full hierarchical whole‑cell cancer models is a new and still largely unproven effort.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ideker, Trey — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ideker, Trey
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.