Leader cell mechanics drive collective tumor invasion in breast cancer
Official title: Leader cell mechanics as primary regulators of collective tumor invasion
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11608538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small grant is funding research to understand how leader cancer cells at the edge of a tumor sense their environment and drive groups of cancer cells to invade, which could reveal new ways to stop metastasis in breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $95,455 |
| NIH project number | 1R56CA316340-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11608538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
No direct patient participation is described; the work is preclinical, focusing on cellular and animal models of breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
People with breast cancer would not directly participate in this grant's activities.
What this research studies
This project examines how mechanical cues in the tumor environment influence leader cells that steer collective invasion of breast cancer cells. Using 3-D models and animal-related studies, researchers will test how matrix architecture and physical signals affect leader cell polarization and coordination with follower cells. The goal is to identify biophysical properties of leader cells that could be targeted to disrupt the spread of cancer through the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new strategies to prevent or reduce metastasis in breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows leader cells are important in coordinating invasion, with ongoing research building on these concepts.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, Priscilla Y — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hwang, Priscilla Y
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.