How PTEN‑loss prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body
Metastasis of PTEN Mutant Prostate Cancer
Researchers are using tissue from men who died of metastatic prostate cancer and special mouse models to find genes and pathways that make PTEN‑loss prostate cancer spread and resist hormone therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173843 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project combines single‑cell analysis of rapid‑autopsy tumor samples from men who died of metastatic prostate cancer with functional genetics in engineered mice and 3‑D whole‑organ imaging. By comparing cells from human metastases with mouse tumors that carry PTEN mutations (and other cooperating changes), the team aims to find which additional gene changes drive spread and treatment escape. The mouse work tests candidate genes to see if they cause metastasis and resistance, while advanced 3‑D imaging maps how tumors invade organs. The approach links patient samples to lab experiments to point toward pathways that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer—especially those known or suspected to have PTEN loss—who can donate tissues through a rapid‑autopsy or tissue‑donation program would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Men with early, localized prostate cancer or those without PTEN alterations are less likely to see direct benefits from this specific project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets or markers to predict and eventually prevent or treat lethal metastatic prostate cancer with PTEN loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked PTEN and TP53 loss to aggressive prostate cancer, but combining rapid‑autopsy single‑cell profiling with functional mouse genetics and 3‑D imaging is a relatively novel, integrative approach.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trotman, Lloyd C — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Trotman, Lloyd C
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.