Investigating how changes in cell membrane voltage affect cancer stem cells
Official title: A multiplexed high-throughput platform to report pharmacologic alteration of cancer stem cell membrane potential and cell cycle state
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11059076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the electrical activity in cancer cells affects their growth and development, with the goal of finding better ways to treat cancer by understanding these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $223,327 |
| NIH project number | 5R61CA278458-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer, particularly those with aggressive or treatment-resistant forms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancer has already been effectively treated may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of membrane voltage in regulating cancer stem cell behavior, particularly how it influences their differentiation and proliferation. By integrating advanced sensors that can measure membrane voltage and cell cycle states, the study aims to develop a high-throughput platform for assessing these changes in cancer cells. This innovative approach seeks to overcome current limitations in measuring membrane voltage, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies against cancer. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to target cancer stem cells more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target cancer stem cells, potentially improving outcomes for cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of targeting membrane voltage in cancer therapy is relatively novel, similar approaches in other areas of cancer research have shown promise.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rostomily, Robert C — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Rostomily, Robert C
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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.