Investigating how stiff and soft environments affect genetic changes in cancer cells
Live cell reporters of genetic changes in stiff vs soft surroundings - Causes & Consequences
This study is looking at how the stiffness of tissues around solid tumors can affect changes in cancer cells, using special tools to watch these changes happen in real-time, which could help us understand how the environment influences cancer growth and treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11065530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how the mechanical properties of surrounding tissues influence genetic changes in cancer cells. By using live cell reporters, the study aims to track these changes in real-time without killing the cells, which is a limitation of traditional methods. The researchers will focus on solid tumors, which are often stiffer than liquid tumors, to understand the underlying mechanisms of genetic alterations. This innovative approach could provide insights into how different environments affect cancer progression and treatment responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with solid tumors, such as breast cancer or other types of cancer that exhibit stiffness in their tissue environment.
Not a fit: Patients with liquid tumors, such as certain blood cancers, may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for cancer treatment by understanding how tissue stiffness influences tumor behavior.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary results from similar approaches have shown promise, indicating that tracking genetic changes in living cells can provide valuable insights into cancer biology.
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.