Mapping different cancer cell states and how they behave
Identification and characterization of cancer cell states by novel computational and experimental technologies - Resubmission - 1
This project aims to map different cancer cell states using human tumor samples and a zebrafish model to find the cells that cause treatment resistance and spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11414770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use advanced single-cell gene-reading and new computational tools to define groups of cancer cells based on shared gene activity. They will validate those groups using human tumor samples and specially engineered zebrafish that light up each cell state. Researchers will sort, track, and selectively remove (ablate) these labeled cells to see how each state affects tumor growth, spread, and response to treatments. The project will also study how cancer cells interact with surrounding tissues and how cell states change over time to build a practical map of actionable cell types.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors (including melanoma) who can donate tumor tissue or clinical data to research would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers or those unable or unwilling to provide tissue samples are unlikely to directly participate or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific cancer cell types to target and help prevent drug resistance and metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell RNA sequencing has revealed distinct cancer cell states in many tumors, but directly testing and ablating those states in living models is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yanai, Itai — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yanai, Itai
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.