How pieces of DNA, including tumor DNA, get into the bloodstream
Molecular Mediators of Cell-free DNA biogenesis
This work will learn how fragments of DNA enter the blood so future blood tests can find cancer more reliably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248343 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You will hear about research that looks at how cells release cell-free DNA (cfDNA) into the circulation and which molecules control that process. Scientists will use lab experiments on cells, molecular analyses, and sensitive DNA tests similar to those used in liquid biopsies while also studying blood samples related to cancer. The team will focus on proteins such as Annexin A5 and other molecular mediators that might change how much tumor DNA (ctDNA) shows up in a blood sample. The aim is to identify ways to increase the detectability of ctDNA to improve blood-based cancer detection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would include people with known cancer, cancer survivors monitored for recurrence, or anyone enrolled in related liquid-biopsy blood-sample studies who can provide blood samples.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct medical benefits from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make liquid biopsy blood tests more sensitive and help detect cancer earlier or confirm remission with greater confidence.
How similar studies have performed: Current liquid biopsy tests already detect ctDNA in some cases, but deliberately changing or leveraging the biology of cfDNA release to boost detection is a relatively new approach with limited prior clinical proof.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Ben Ho — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Park, Ben Ho
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.