Exploring how tiny particles help cells communicate in cancer and disease.
Official title: Understanding the Heterogeneity of Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicles, Exomeres, and Supermeres using Next Generation Optical Nanotweezers
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10895559 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny particles that help cells talk to each other, especially in cancer, to learn more about their different types and how they can be used to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $382,734 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150572-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895559 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancer or other conditions where extracellular vesicles play a significant role.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to extracellular vesicle communication may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates nanosized extracellular vesicles and particles, which are crucial for cell communication in both healthy and diseased states, particularly cancer. The study aims to understand the diversity of these particles, known as extracellular vesicles, exomeres, and supermeres, by analyzing their size and molecular content. Using advanced techniques like optical nanotweezers, researchers will isolate and study individual particles to uncover their roles in disease diagnosis and treatment. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods that cannot analyze single particles, providing a clearer understanding of their biological significance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for cancer and other diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding extracellular vesicles, but this approach using optical nanotweezers is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ndukaife, Justus Chukwunonso — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Ndukaife, Justus Chukwunonso
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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.