High collagen and fibronectin in tissues that help ovarian cancer spread
Elevated collagen I and fibronectin in the ovarian cancer pre-metastatic niche
This project looks at how extra collagen I and fibronectin in the omentum may help high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells stick, move, and grow so women with early-stage disease can avoid rapid spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247171 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will compare omentum tissue from healthy people and women with early-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer to measure collagen I, cellular fibronectin, cross-linking enzymes (like TGM2), and collagen fiber structure. Laboratory imaging and biochemical tests will quantify ECM changes such as density and fiber thickness. Using patient-derived samples and cell-based models, researchers will test whether these ECM changes make it easier for tumor cells to attach, invade, migrate, proliferate, or resist cell death. The work combines tissue analysis, molecular experiments, and functional tests to see if altering the ECM can block tumor spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with early-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer who are undergoing surgery and can provide omental tissue or consent to use of their biospecimens would be the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People with non-ovarian cancers, those with late-stage widespread disease, or patients not undergoing procedures that allow omental sampling would be unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow or prevent omental metastasis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, which might improve survival and delay disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows ECM changes can promote metastasis, but directly targeting collagen and fibronectin to stop ovarian cancer spread remains early and is not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kreeger, Pamela K — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Kreeger, Pamela K
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.