# Targeting the metastasis initiating cell in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma

> **NIH NIH R01** · DUKE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $485,589

## Abstract

Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a soft tissue sarcoma, with one of the worst prognosis. We will
build on our discovery that UPS contains a small subpopulation of metastasis initiating cells (MCs) that are
enhanced for their ability to form metastasis. Our proof of principle data showed that targeting genes
differentially expressed in the MC population inhibits metastasis in UPS tumors established as xenografts in
mice. In our preliminary data, we show that epigenetic changes distinguish the MC from the rest of the UPS
cell populations. Furthermore, we found that individual cell populations in UPS produce secreted factors that
influence behavior of other cell UPS cell populations, acting in a competitive manner. Our hypothesis is that
the MC population is maintained by epigenetic changes that endow this subpopulation of cells with distinct
properties that drive sarcoma metastasis. We will test this hypothesis by answering the following two
questions:
 1) What drives the MC population? Here we will build on our preliminary data suggesting that
epigenetic events driven by the regulation of histone acetylation and methylation maintain the MC. The function
of differentially expressed genes in the MC in regulating metastatic ability will be assessed using a lung organ
on a chip assay and findings will be tested in-vivo in murine tumors.
 2) Can pharmacologically targeting the MIC population be used to treat UPS? Here we will build
on our gene expression data, CRISPER screens, and results from a high throughput drug screen to identify
agents that target the MC. Pharmacologic agents and genetic approaches in murine tumors and human
primary UPS tumors established as xenografts in immunodeficient mice to determine their effect on disease
progression and metastasis.
This proposed work utilizes unique mouse models of sarcoma and human tumors to test novel biologic
processes related to cellular heterogeneity in sarcoma. As such, it will provide important biologic insights not
only about UPS, but also about cell heterogeneity in cancer in general. In addition, it will lead to the
development of new treatment approaches for UPS, a tumor with a poor outcome using currently available
therapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10205287
- **Project number:** 1R01CA251407-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** DUKE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Benjamin Aaron Alman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $485,589
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-06 → 2026-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10205287

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10205287, Targeting the metastasis initiating cell in undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (1R01CA251407-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10205287. Licensed CC0.

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