How cancer cells and platelets communicate to influence cancer spread
Official title: Roles of mRNA Transfer in Cancer Cell-Platelet Communication
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10876989 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells talk to platelets in the blood and how that helps cancer spread to other parts of the body, with the hope of finding new ways to stop this from happening.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $378,223 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277946-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876989 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those at risk of metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancers or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between cancer cells and platelets, focusing on how this interaction affects the spread of cancer to other organs. By analyzing specific mRNA from platelets that is taken up by cancer cells, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that facilitate cancer cell colonization. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and in vivo functional screening to identify key platelet-derived mRNAs that promote breast cancer cell spread. This work could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new insights into preventing the spread of breast cancer, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cancer cell-platelet interactions, indicating that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Ren — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Xu, Ren
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.