Understanding how tumor cells interact with their environment to promote cancer growth
Mechanisms of cellular crosstalk in tumor-promoting niche formation
This study is looking at how certain cancer cells interact with their surroundings, which can affect how the cancer grows and responds to treatment, with the goal of finding new ways to make cancer therapies work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11019770 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between tumor-initiating cells (TICs) and their surrounding microenvironment, known as the TIC niche, which plays a crucial role in cancer development and drug resistance. By exploring the cellular crosstalk and molecular pathways that regulate these interactions, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to disrupt TICs and improve cancer treatment outcomes. The approach involves advanced techniques such as ATAC sequencing to analyze chromatin accessibility and understand the regulatory mechanisms at play. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective anti-cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who are experiencing challenges with treatment resistance.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with cancers not involving tumor-initiating cells may not receive benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting therapy-resistant cancer cells, potentially reducing tumor recurrence and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting tumor microenvironments and TICs, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
Portland, United States
- Oregon Health & Science University — Portland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oshimori, Naoki — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Oshimori, Naoki
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.