How abnormal cells spread in fallopian tubes
Profiling the Fluid Assisted Dissemination of Pre-malignant cells in Fallopian Tubes
This project explores how fluid movement in the body might help early cancer cells from the fallopian tubes spread, which can lead to ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124667 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Ovarian cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage because it tends to spread widely within the abdominal cavity. We believe that this cancer often begins with abnormal cells in the fallopian tubes that gain mutations allowing them to migrate. Our project aims to understand if the natural fluid movement within the abdominal cavity actually helps these early cancer cells spread from the fallopian tubes to the ovaries and other organs. To do this, we are using advanced lab models with human and mouse fallopian tube cells to observe how fluid forces affect their growth, movement, and ability to invade new areas. This work will help us learn more about how ovarian cancer starts and spreads.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not recruiting patients directly, but future studies based on these findings may seek individuals at high risk for ovarian cancer, such as those with BRCA1 mutations, or those with early signs of fallopian tube abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced ovarian cancer may not directly benefit from this early-stage research, as it focuses on the initial spread of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how ovarian cancer spreads early could lead to new ways to detect it sooner or prevent its spread.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of microfluidic devices to study cell behavior is established, this specific application to fallopian tube cancer cell dissemination is building on preliminary data and represents a focused, novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Geeta — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Geeta
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.