Understanding how lung cancer cells work together to spread
Official title: Deconstructing cellular heterogeneity and subpopulation cooperation in non-small cell lung cancer metastasis
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11169075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand how groups of lung cancer cells communicate and move together, which causes cancer to spread throughout the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $143,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R50CA265345-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for patients interested in the basic biological mechanisms of non-small cell lung cancer metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical intervention would not benefit from this basic science project.
What this research studies
We know that cancer spreading, called metastasis, is a major cause of death, but we don't have many good treatments for it. This project looks at how cancer cells travel in groups, a process called collective invasion, which is common in many solid tumors. Researchers are using advanced imaging and cell sorting techniques to see how different types of cancer cells within these groups work together. They've found that some "leader" cells help others invade, while "follower" cells help the leaders survive and grow. This work will help us understand the molecular details of how these cell groups promote metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to stop cancer from spreading, leading to more effective treatments for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds upon previous findings by the researchers using a patented technique, suggesting a novel approach to a known problem.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mouw, Janna K — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Mouw, Janna K
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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.