Mapping how tumors silence immune cells where they live
SPATIALLY MAPPING OF POOLED IN VIVO CRISPR SCREENS IN THE TUMOR MICROENVIRONMENT
This project builds a way to find genes inside tumors that tell immune cells to step back, with the goal of helping people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia Univ New York Morningside NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will map the molecular state of cells directly inside tumors to see how nearby cells and the environment change immune behavior. They will combine spatial mapping of RNA and proteins with pooled in vivo CRISPR gene-editing screens so gene effects can be read out without removing cells from their natural tissue. The approach aims to reveal which signaling genes in the tumor microenvironment cause immune suppression. The team will develop new lab methods to link gene knockouts to local cell states and interactions inside intact tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with solid tumors who can provide tumor tissue or who could be considered for future trials based on findings from this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or with cancers that are not driven by tumor microenvironment signaling may not see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets to make immunotherapy work better for more people with cancer.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR screens and spatial mapping have each produced important discoveries, but combining pooled in vivo CRISPR screens with spatial, in-tissue readouts is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia Univ New York Morningside — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaublomme, Jellert — Columbia Univ New York Morningside
- Study coordinator: Gaublomme, Jellert
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.