How Cancer Cells Move in Tight Spaces

Molecular Mechanisms of Confined Cell Migration

NIH-funded research Albany Medical College · NIH-11109516

This project explores how cancer cells and immune cells move through crowded body tissues, which is important for understanding how cancer spreads.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAlbany Medical College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Albany, United States)
Project IDNIH-11109516 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies have many different environments, and cells need to adapt how they move to get around. When cells are in very tight spaces, like within a tumor, they can switch to a fast, "amoeboid" way of moving, using a special "leader bleb." This research aims to uncover the exact molecular steps that both cancer cells and immune cells use to make this switch and move in these confined areas. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to find new ways to stop cancer from spreading.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational laboratory research is relevant for patients with various types of cancer, especially those concerned about metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by cancer or conditions involving cell migration would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to prevent cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown that certain proteins are essential for this type of cell movement, and this project builds upon those findings to uncover more detailed mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

Albany, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions CancerousCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.