How partially transitioned cancer cells move and reshape tissue
Official title: Multiscale modeling of fluidity in partial EMT (pEMT) planar tissues
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11195680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM157590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This grant does not enroll patients, though cancer patients who might donate tumor samples for related translational work could be relevant in future studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without cancer or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment would not directly benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
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.
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 gone: 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 Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Min — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Wu, Min
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Endothelial glycocalyx and sepsis-related blood clotting
A brain- and body-friendly study will explore how sepsis damages the protective glycocalyx on blood vessel walls and drives dangerous blood clots, with a goal to find new ideas for treatment.
-
Neuromodulators shaping male and hermaphrodite behavior in a tiny worm
A research project will study how brain chemicals control sex-specific behaviors in a worm model to better understand human sex differences in brain diseases.
-
Bias-aware wearable that measures both SpO2 and PtcO2 for neonates at home
A small, easy-to-use wearable device is being developed to noninvasively monitor two key blood oxygen measurements in premature or fragile babies after NICU discharge, helping families and clinicians keep a closer eye on breathing issues.
-
Multiscale modeling of tissue fluidity in partial EMT cancer tissue
A scientist team will study how cells in a partial epithelial-mesenchymal state move and rearrange in tissue, to understand cancer growth and tissue repair.
-
Advanced EEG/MEG source localization using fast math to map brain activity
Researchers will build a faster, more accurate brain activity map from EEG/MEG data to help understand responses to antidepressant treatments.
-
Engineered probiotic bacteria to block lead absorption
A recent NIH grant is exploring tiny bite-sized DNA molecules in probiotic bacteria to trap lead in the gut and prevent it from entering the body.
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.