New imaging technology to study how cancer cells absorb nutrients
Official title: Optical platform for functional longitudinal imaging of metabolite uptake in vivo
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-11017764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to see how cancer cells use important nutrients in real-time without needing any invasive procedures, which could help doctors find better treatments by understanding how different types of cancer behave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $307,760 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034607-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer who may benefit from improved treatment strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who are not undergoing cancer treatment may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative optical imaging platform that allows for real-time, noninvasive monitoring of how cancer cells absorb essential metabolites in living organisms. By utilizing advanced bioluminescent imaging techniques, the project aims to overcome the limitations of current imaging methods, which often fail to accurately reflect the complex tumor microenvironment. This approach will help researchers better understand the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells, which is crucial for improving cancer treatments. The findings could lead to more effective therapies by identifying how different cancers utilize nutrients differently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment by enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies through a better understanding of cancer metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using advanced imaging techniques to study cancer metabolism, indicating that this approach has the potential for significant impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goun, Elena — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Goun, Elena
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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.