Mitochondria moving between nerves and breast cancer cells
Official title: Intercellular Transfer of Mitochondria at the Nerve-Cancer Interface
Funded at University of South Alabama · NIH-11370313 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how nerve cells and breast cancer cells exchange mitochondria and how this affects cancer spread, with a focus on triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Alabama NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mobile, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $363,626 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA292711-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370313 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer or tumors showing nerve involvement may be most relevant for future therapies stemming from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not interact with nerves or where metastasis is already controlled may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cancer cells in breast tumors interact with nearby nerves and how mitochondria can transfer from nerves to cancer cells. It uses lab-based models and animal studies to watch the nerve-cancer interface and mitochondrial movement in real time. The scientists want to learn whether this transfer helps cancer cells become more capable of spreading and growing in new areas. The results could point to new angles for preventing metastasis in patients with aggressive breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to prevent cancer spread and improve therapies for patients with TNBC.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from similar models suggest mitochondrial transfer can influence cancer cell metabolism and metastasis, making this a promising but early area of study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Alabama
Mobile, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grelet, Simon — University of South Alabama
- Study coordinator: Grelet, Simon
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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.