Investigating how changes in cell membrane voltage affect cancer stem cells

A multiplexed high-throughput platform to report pharmacologic alteration of cancer stem cell membrane potential and cell cycle state

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · METHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE · NIH-11059076

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

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMETHODIST HOSPITAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11059076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer, particularly those with aggressive or treatment-resistant forms.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancer has already been effectively treated may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer therapy, cancer cell, cancer metastasis, Cancer Patient, cancer progenitor

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.