A new tool to map proteins across tumor tissue
An integrated microtechnology platform for spatially resolved mass spectrometry-based proteomics
Researchers are building a lab platform to map thousands of proteins across tumor tissues so doctors can better understand and treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251962 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are building a microtechnology platform that slices tissue into tiny locations and uses advanced mass spectrometry to measure thousands of proteins in each spot. This will create detailed maps showing where proteins are located inside tumors instead of relying on RNA or a few antibody tests. The method aims to combine deep protein coverage with finer spatial resolution and faster processing than current manual dissection approaches. Over time these maps could help find biomarkers and drug targets that explain why some tumors grow, spread, or resist treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer patients who can donate tumor tissue (for example during surgery or biopsy) or whose tumor samples can be shared with the research team.
Not a fit: Patients without available tumor tissue, those with non-cancer conditions, or people not treated at participating centers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new biomarkers and drug targets to personalize cancer treatments and better predict which tumors will respond to therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Existing methods either map only a small number of proteins with antibodies or require manual tissue dissection for deep coverage, so high-resolution, high-coverage spatial proteomics remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Sindy Kam-Yan — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Sindy Kam-Yan
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.