Understanding how certain cancer cells contribute to tumor growth and resistance
Official title: Molecular control of tumor-initiating cells in Ras-driven cancers
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10877707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cancer cells that can start new tumors and resist treatment, focusing on a protein called KSR1 to see how it helps these cells survive; the goal is to find new ways to improve treatment for people with colorectal and lung cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,965 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA268766-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10877707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with Ras-driven colorectal or lung cancers who are experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not driven by Ras mutations or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates tumor-initiating cells (TICs), a specific group of cancer cells that can regenerate tumors and resist treatment. By focusing on the molecular scaffold Kinase Suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1), the study aims to understand how these cells survive and contribute to cancer recurrence. The researchers will use advanced techniques, including CRISPR, to manipulate KSR1 and assess its role in tumor growth and treatment resistance in colorectal and lung cancers. The goal is to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with these cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target resistant cancer cells, potentially reducing tumor recurrence and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar cancer cell populations, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vieira, Heidi — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Vieira, Heidi
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.