How aggressive breast cancer cells release exosomes that help them spread
Metabolic regulation of exosome biogenesis as a determinant of cancer cell metastasis.
This project looks at how aggressive breast cancer cells change their metabolism to make and release tiny particles called exosomes that help the cancer move to other parts of the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251633 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with breast cancer cells grown in laboratory models to count and analyze the tiny vesicles (exosomes) the tumor cells release. They will change levels of a protein called SIRT1 and alter glutamine metabolism to see how those shifts affect exosome production and the mix of molecules carried inside them. The team uses 3-D cell culture systems and related cancer models to mimic tumor behavior more closely than flat cell dishes. The goal is to link specific metabolic changes to exosome-driven traits that help cancer resist therapy and spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with aggressive or metastatic breast cancer might be relevant for future clinical follow-up studies or for donating tumor samples to related research efforts.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated conditions or early-stage cancers unlikely to shed the same kinds of exosomes may not benefit directly from this work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block exosome formation or alter their cargo to reduce metastasis and improve responses to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown exosomes can promote metastasis and emerging studies link metabolism to exosome release, but translating these findings into patient therapies is still at an early, preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Antonyak, Marc a — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Antonyak, Marc a
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.