Creating advanced cellular devices for cancer detection and treatment
Official title: Engineering recombinase circuits for cellular diagnostic devices
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11140509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special cells that can help doctors find cancer more accurately and easily, so patients can get better care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $509,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB036085-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for cancer or those undergoing treatment who could benefit from improved diagnostic methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not require advanced diagnostic techniques may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing genetically engineered mammalian cells that can serve as highly sensitive diagnostic devices for cancer detection. By utilizing signal amplification genetic circuits, the project aims to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of these cell-based diagnostics beyond traditional methods. The approach involves integrating multiple inputs to improve the accuracy of tumor detection, which could lead to better patient outcomes. The research leverages site-specific recombinases to create circuits that can amplify weak signals, making them more effective in identifying cancer biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and sensitive cancer diagnostics, improving early detection and treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using genetically engineered cells for diagnostics, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant advancements in cancer detection.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Wilson — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Wong, Wilson
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How Arousal Changes How We See the World
This grant studies how moments of alertness or mood changes alter how the brain processes what we see.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Ultra-High Density wearable brain monitoring in real life
Aims to make advanced wearable brain sensors that work in daily life to track brain activity alongside movement, perception, and communication.
-
A new method to image brain activity noninvasively using speckle contrast spectroscopy
A new, noninvasive imaging technique called speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) could help measure brain blood flow in people, including those with brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
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.