How partially transitioned cancer cells move and reshape tissue
Multiscale modeling of fluidity in partial EMT (pEMT) planar tissues
Researchers will build computer models and run lab experiments to see how partly transitioned cancer cells move together in tissue so new ways to limit tumor spread can be found.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195680 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines lab-grown cell layers and computer models to study cells in a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (pEMT), which occurs in many cancers. Scientists will grow monolayers of cancer cell lines with different pEMT properties, create controlled wounds in those layers, and track how cells rearrange and flow. They will connect those observations to multiscale mechanical and mathematical models to explain how individual cell exchanges lead to large-scale tissue movement. The work aims to reveal patterns that control tissue fluidity when cells are in a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not enroll patients, though cancer patients who might donate tumor samples for related translational work could be relevant in future studies.
Not a fit: People without cancer or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment would not directly benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to stop cancer cells from moving and forming metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has characterized tissue fluidity in fully epithelial systems, but applying multiscale theory and experiments specifically to pEMT tissues is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Min — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wu, Min
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.