Understanding how brain cancer cells move through tight spaces
Official title: Novel Mechanisms of Confined Migration of GBM Cells
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11075382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how glioblastoma brain cancer cells move through the brain and what makes them so good at spreading, using special tools to see how blocking certain processes affects their movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 16, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $256,459 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS134158-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are experiencing aggressive tumor growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the movement of glioblastoma (GBM) cells, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer, as they navigate through the brain's narrow pathways. By using advanced techniques like microchannel devices and live-cell imaging, the study aims to uncover how certain cellular processes, such as endocytosis and changes in membrane charge, influence the ability of these cancer cells to migrate. The researchers will conduct experiments to see how inhibiting endocytosis affects the movement of GBM cells, providing insights into their invasive behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that inhibit the invasive properties of GBM cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer cell migration, but this specific approach focusing on confined migration mechanisms is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Friedel, Roland Horst — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Friedel, Roland Horst
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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.