Analyzing cancer cells using mitochondrial DNA to understand tumor diversity
Official title: Clonal analysis of cancer by mitochondrial DNA barcoding
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11075869 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of cancer cells develop and change within tumors, using special markers in their DNA to understand their unique characteristics, which could help create more personalized and effective treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $443,222 |
| NIH project number | 5R33CA278393-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075869 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia or related conditions who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with solid tumors unrelated to acute myeloid leukemia may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex mixture of different cell types within tumors, focusing on how clonal evolution leads to the emergence of genetically distinct cancer cell populations. By utilizing mitochondrial DNA as natural barcodes, the researchers aim to profile these cells at a single-cell level, examining their transcriptional and epigenetic states. This approach seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity and identify potential vulnerabilities in cancer cells, ultimately guiding the development of more effective therapies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to personalized treatment strategies targeting specific tumor cell populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that effectively target and eradicate diverse cancer cell populations, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using mitochondrial DNA barcoding for cancer analysis, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights into tumor biology.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Galen, Peter — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Van Galen, Peter
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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.