Biosensors that read cell signaling without live-cell imaging
A new class of biosensors for detecting signaling dynamics without live-cell microscopy
This project builds tiny sensors to read how cancer-related proteins turn on and off in cells using preserved tissue samples instead of live-cell microscopes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Princeton University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, this project aims to create tiny sensors that capture how cancer-related proteins switch on and off without needing live-cell microscopes. That means scientists could read signaling activity from preserved tissue samples or biopsies instead of watching cells in real time. The team focuses on pathways like Ras and Erk that often go awry in tumors. This approach could let researchers study signaling patterns in more patients and in archived clinical samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults with cancer who are willing to donate tissue or allow their biopsy samples to be used for laboratory analysis.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help researchers understand how tumors decide to grow or respond to treatment, potentially speeding development of better targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Live-cell biosensors (for example those tracking Erk activity) have already provided important insights, but adapting sensors to work on fixed or non-live samples is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Princeton, UNITED STATES
- Princeton University — Princeton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Toettcher, Jared E — Princeton University
- Study coordinator: Toettcher, Jared E
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.