Investigating how cancer cells communicate and affect their environment
Official title: Structure-informed dissection of cancer-specific intracellular and paracrine networks
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11171864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells, especially in tough cases like colon and pancreatic cancers, work together and with their surroundings to grow, using new models and smart technology to find ways to improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $540,241 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274506-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aggressive forms of colon or pancreatic cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-aggressive cancers or those not diagnosed with colon or pancreatic cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cancer cells interact with each other and their surrounding environment, particularly in aggressive tumors like colon and pancreatic cancers. By developing advanced models that simulate these interactions, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to thrive and recruit other cells to support tumor growth. The study employs innovative deep learning techniques to analyze protein interactions and signaling pathways, which could lead to new insights into cancer progression and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that disrupt harmful cell interactions in tumors, potentially improving outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to understand cancer cell interactions, indicating a potential for success in this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Honig, Barry H — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Honig, Barry H
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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.