How breast cells change and spread over time
Mapping the single cell state basis of metastasis in space and time
This project uses single-cell and spatial molecular methods plus machine learning to find how breast cells change and spread, aiming to help people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166531 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will look at individual cells in normal breast tissue and tumors using single-cell sequencing and spatial mapping to see where different cell states occur. They will grow 3D cell cultures that mimic breast tissue and metastatic colonies to watch how cells lose normal features and gain invasive behavior. Advanced machine-learning tools will compare developmental programs in the mammary gland with those reused in tumors to find the molecular programs driving spread. The team aims to identify cell-state regulators that could become targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—particularly those with tumors at risk of spreading or with metastatic disease—would be the main group who could provide tissue or be considered for related future trials.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those needing immediate clinical treatment decisions are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal cellular programs and drug targets that lead to new ways to prevent or treat metastatic breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related single-cell and spatial studies have begun to identify tumor cell states and microenvironment patterns, but applying these methods specifically to map metastasis is still an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ewald, Andrew Josef — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Ewald, Andrew Josef
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.