How groups of cancer cells move together
Deciphering mechanisms that drive collective cell migration
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11191503
Researchers are testing how a molecule called PLCγ1 helps breast cancer cells move together, aiming to find ways to stop them from spreading.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191503 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses breast cancer cell models to discover how PLCγ1 controls coordinated movement of cell groups. The team will build a fluorescent sensor to watch PLCγ1 activity in real time and identify the downstream proteins it affects. They will alter PLCγ1 activity in cells and use specialized microscopy to measure the forces cells generate as they migrate. Researchers will also use light-based control (optogenetics) to turn PLCγ1 activity on and off in patterns to see what triggers collective movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are interested in future treatments targeting cell movement or who can donate tumor tissue for research would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not driven by PLCγ1 activity or who cannot provide tissue samples are unlikely to see direct benefits from this lab-based work in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to stop cancer cells from moving and spreading.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have linked PLCγ1 to cell movement and similar imaging and optogenetic tools have succeeded in cell models, but applying these findings to patient treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KREEGER, PAMELA K — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: KREEGER, PAMELA K
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Cell, Cancers