Genetic biosensors to find dormant (sleeping) cancer cells
Intersectional genetics-based biosensors for dormant cancer cells
Researchers are building genetic sensors to spot and help remove dormant cancer cells that can later cause cancer to come back.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111321 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses gene-based sensors to detect cancer cells that have entered a dormant, sleep-like state and can later reactivate and cause metastasis. Scientists will map the regulatory DNA signals active in dormant cells and combine those signals using intersectional genetics to make highly specific biosensors. The team will test these sensors in living models to see if they can identify, profile, and genetically manipulate dormant cells, with the long-term goal of enabling targeted removal. Findings are preclinical and aimed at enabling future therapies to prevent late cancer relapse.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical laboratory and animal-focused work and is not currently enrolling patients, though future clinical trials would likely involve cancer survivors at risk for relapse.
Not a fit: People with active, widespread metastatic disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable detection and targeted elimination of the cells that cause late metastatic relapses, potentially lowering cancer recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic reporters and lineage-tracing methods have been useful in animal cancer research, but using intersectional biosensors specifically to detect dormant metastatic cells is a novel and relatively untested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bravo-Cordero, Jose Javier — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Bravo-Cordero, Jose Javier
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.