Investigating how cancer cell stiffness affects the spread of cancer.
Official title: Phenotypic sorting of cancer cells to study the role and control of cell stiffness in the in vivo metastatic cascade
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11093595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of cancer cells affects their ability to spread from the original tumor to other parts of the body, using a special device to sort these cells in a mouse model of breast cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to stop cancer from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $66,444 |
| NIH project number | 7F32CA281162-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer who may be at risk of metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancer has already metastasized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cell stiffness in the spread of cancer cells from primary tumors to other parts of the body. By using a specialized device to sort cancer cells based on their stiffness, researchers aim to determine how these mechanical properties influence the metastatic process in a breast cancer mouse model. The goal is to establish a causal link between cell stiffness and the ability of cancer cells to migrate and form new tumors, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies to control cancer spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or stop the spread of cancer in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanical properties of cells and their role in cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Katherine M — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Young, Katherine M
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.