How tumor stiffness and tissue architecture change cancer chromosomes and immune interactions
Mechanics of Cells & Tissues impact Chromosome Instability & Phagocytic Interactions
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11309627
This project looks at whether the physical makeup of tumors — like stiffness and how cells stick together — changes cancer cells' chromosomes and how immune cells respond, with relevance for people with epithelial cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309627 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will recreate tumors using 3D lab-grown models and animal experiments to mimic real tissue architecture and rigidity. They will study how changes in cell adhesion and mechanical tension from the surrounding matrix travel inward to affect mitosis and chromosome segregation. The team will also examine how these mechanical changes alter interactions with immune cells, especially myeloid phagocytes. Specialized research cores at the university will provide advanced imaging and mechanical testing to link tissue mechanics with genetic instability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with epithelial solid tumors—such as breast or ovarian cancers, including those with BRCA mutations—or patients willing to donate tumor tissue for research.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers, non-solid tumors, or those seeking immediate therapeutic benefit are unlikely to directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or target chromosome instability in cancers and improve immune responses against tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show tumor stiffness influences cancer behavior and immune cells, but directly linking tissue mechanics to chromosome instability and immune sculpting is a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DISCHER, DENNIS E. — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: DISCHER, DENNIS E.
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.