How inflammatory signals shape cancer and its surroundings
Molecular Dissection of Cytokine Crosstalk in the Tumor Microenvironment
Researchers are exploring how inflammatory proteins change cancer cells and nearby support cells to help people with solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143035 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program looks at how specific inflammatory molecules (like type I interferons, IL-17, and TGF-β) change cancer cell behavior and the non-cancer cells around tumors. Scientists will study tumor cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts using lab-grown cells and animal models and will analyze molecular signaling that drives changes called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The team will link those cell-level changes to things that matter for patients, such as tumor spread, fibrosis, and response to therapies. Results could guide new strategies to make tumors less aggressive or more treatable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who can provide tumor tissue or clinical data for research (for example through consented sample donation) would be the best match for involvement.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those who cannot provide tissue samples are less likely to be directly involved or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to make tumors less aggressive and improve how well existing treatments work.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have previously linked these cytokines and EMT to cancer behavior, but turning that knowledge into effective patient treatments remains mostly experimental.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stark, George Robert — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Stark, George Robert
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.