# Mechanisms of Carcinoma Initiation and Differentiation

> **NIH NIH R50** · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · 2021 · $213,356

## Abstract

Summary
!
This proposal will support an outstanding Research Specialist who is essential to the scientific direction and
operation of a productive research group. The Research Specialist and Unit Director have worked closely
since 2010 and have generated a significant number of high quality publications that have had a major impact
on the field. The major goal of this group is to pursue mechanisms that contribute to the aggressive behavior of
poorly differentiated carcinomas and to use the information obtained to improve therapy. Specific projects
focus on the role of integrins and VEGF receptors, especially within the context of cancer stem cells (CSCs).
The Research Specialist has superb expertise in the study of integrins and growth factor receptors, as well as
the use of animal models. He also has a strong interest in translational research and he has been able to
apply the knowledge generated from his work to design more effective therapies for breast and prostate
cancer.
The Research Specialist is essential for the proposed work of the group over the next five years, which
involves new directions and collaborations. Importantly, he has been able to build strong and productive
collaborations with leading experts in related fields to diversify and enhance the impact of the group’s research
program. These interactions have enabled the Research Specialist and Unit Director to formulate three major
goals/hypotheses to be studied over the next five years, which are inter-related. The contributions of the
Research Specialist are essential for completing these goals. The first goal will focus on how integrins
contribute to the dynamic plasticity of carcinoma cells and heterotypic interactions between CSCs and non-
stem tumor cells. The second goal will study how integrins promote resistance to a novel form of cell death
termed ferroptosis. The final goal will investigate molecules and unravel mechanisms that promote the
differentiation of CSCs, and exploit the data obtained to improve therapy.
In summary, The Research Specialist is capable of making significant and innovative contributions to the
biology and therapy of aggressive carcinomas, as evidenced by his accomplishments and sustained
productivity. This award will provide him the freedom and security to advance his research and to support the
research program of the Mercurio group.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10242703
- **Project number:** 5R50CA221780-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Hira Goel
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $213,356
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-13 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10242703

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10242703, Mechanisms of Carcinoma Initiation and Differentiation (5R50CA221780-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10242703. Licensed CC0.

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