Understanding how cancer cells move quickly
Deconstructing fast amoeboid cell migration
This project aims to uncover the secrets of how certain cells, especially cancer cells, move rapidly through the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cells in our bodies can travel from one place to another, which is important for healing and fighting infections, but this movement can also go wrong in diseases like cancer. While we know a lot about how cells move on flat surfaces, we understand less about how they move in three dimensions, a process called amoeboid migration. This type of fast amoeboid migration is often seen in aggressive cancer cells. By studying how these cells move, we hope to find new ways to stop cancer from spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the basic biology relevant to all patients affected by cancers that spread.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve extensive cell migration or those seeking immediate clinical interventions may not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing cancer cells from spreading throughout the body, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While much is known about cell movement on flat surfaces, the specific mechanisms of fast amoeboid migration in 3D environments, especially in cancer, are still poorly understood and represent a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Benjamin C — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Lin, Benjamin C
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.