How metastatic cancer cells change to survive and spread
Mechanisms of Dynamic Transcriptional Reprogramming in Metastasis Stem Cells
This work looks at how special cancer cells that seed metastases change their gene activity using patient-derived tumor organoids to point toward ways to stop metastasis in people with advanced colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses tumor tissue from patients to grow mini-tumors in the lab (organoids) so scientists can watch how metastatic stem cells switch their behavior. The team focuses on two cell states marked by LGR5 and L1CAM and how loss of cell–cell adhesion (E-cadherin) and changes in RNA control these switches. They will use patient-derived organoids and molecular assays to map the transcriptional and 3'UTR-level changes that allow metastatic cells to survive and regrow. The goal is to identify molecular points where future therapies could block the survival or re-initiation of metastatic cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer who can provide tumor tissue (for example during surgery or biopsy) would be the most relevant participants for this line of work.
Not a fit: Patients without colorectal cancer, those with early-stage disease not undergoing tumor sampling, or anyone unable or unwilling to provide tissue samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to develop treatments that prevent or eliminate the cells that cause metastatic relapse, potentially improving survival for people with advanced colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies using patient-derived organoids and targeting stem-like metastatic cells have revealed key mechanisms, but translating these findings into effective patient treatments remains largely unproven so far.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganesh, Karuna — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Ganesh, Karuna
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.