Understanding how stress affects tumor cell behavior and survival
Core2: Transcriptomics and Chromatin Structure
This study is looking at how the pressure and strain on cancer cells in the blood affects their survival and growth once they leave the bloodstream, which could help us understand how tumors spread and become harder to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911885 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mechanical stress experienced by tumor cells in the bloodstream influences their ability to survive and grow after leaving the blood vessels. By analyzing changes in gene expression and chromatin structure, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that allow tumor cells to adapt to these stresses. Advanced technologies like single-cell mRNA sequencing and nanoscale imaging will be used to gather detailed information about these processes. The findings could provide insights into how tumors metastasize and develop resistance to treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are known to metastasize and who may be undergoing treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic cancers or those who are not currently receiving treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing tumor metastasis and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanical properties of tumor cells can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michor, Franziska — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Michor, Franziska
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.