How the tumor environment helps ovarian cancer spread by activating c‑Jun and AKT2
Regulation of ovarian cancer metastasis by microenvironment-induced chromatin accessibility and c-Jun activation.
This work looks for molecular changes in the tumor surroundings that switch on c‑Jun and AKT2 and help ovarian cancer cells spread, aiming to guide new treatments for people with metastatic ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11437716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team recreates the surface of the human omentum in a 3D lab model and compares those results with matched primary tumors and metastases taken from ovarian cancer patients. They use ATAC‑seq to find places where the tumor environment opens up chromatin and exposes binding sites for the transcription factor c‑Jun. The researchers turn genes such as c‑Jun, USP35, SUPT5H, and AKT2 off or on in lab experiments to see how those changes affect cancer cell colonization. The goal is to reveal how signals from the surrounding tissue drive intraperitoneal spread and to identify targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with ovarian cancer—especially those having surgery for primary tumors or abdominal metastases who can donate tumor or omental tissue for research.
Not a fit: People without ovarian cancer or those seeking an immediate therapeutic benefit should not expect direct help from this lab‑based research at this time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug targets that stop or slow ovarian cancer spread within the abdomen and reduce life‑threatening complications.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have linked c‑Jun, chromatin accessibility, and AKT2 to cancer behavior, but turning those findings into treatments for intraperitoneal ovarian metastasis remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitra, Anirban Kumar — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Mitra, Anirban Kumar
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.