Exploring Tiny Particles from Cells to Understand Cancers
Understanding the Heterogeneity of Nanoscale Extracellular Vesicles, Exomeres, and Supermeres using Next Generation Optical Nanotweezers
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11146521
This work aims to better understand the different types of tiny particles released by cells, called extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs), to learn more about their role in cancers and how they might help with diagnosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11146521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our cells communicate with each other by sending out tiny packages called EVPs, which carry important messages. These EVPs are not all the same; they vary in size and what they carry inside, and this variety makes it hard to understand their exact roles in diseases like cancer. This project is developing a new tool, called optical nanotweezers, to pick out and study individual EVPs. By looking at each tiny particle separately, we hope to uncover their unique characteristics and how they contribute to cancer development and progression. This advanced method will help us see the full picture of how cells communicate in health and disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation but aims to benefit patients with various cancers in the future through improved understanding and diagnostic tools.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention would not receive benefit from this basic science and technology development project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose cancers earlier and develop more targeted treatments by understanding how these tiny cell particles contribute to disease.
How similar studies have performed: While optical tweezers have been recognized for their ability to manipulate tiny objects, applying next-generation versions to precisely analyze individual extracellular vesicles in this manner is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NDUKAIFE, JUSTUS CHUKWUNONSO — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NDUKAIFE, JUSTUS CHUKWUNONSO
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.