# TOOLKIT Core

> **NIH NIH U54** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $143,721

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – TOOLKIT CORE
The majority of cancer-related deaths are caused by metastatic disease, highlighting the glaring deficiency in
our understanding of the processes of tumor dissemination. Research is substantially hampered by lack of
physiologically-relevant tumor models and molecular tools necessary for discovering life-saving therapies. The
Stanford Brain Metastasis Consortium (SBMC) is focused on identifying the genetic underpinnings regulating
brain metastases, a disease with limited treatment options and meager survival rates. In support of this goal, the
Toolkit Core provides innovative experimental solutions from leading experts in organoid modeling (Dr. Calvin
Kuo), genomic functional screens (Dr. Michael Bassik), and glycoproteomics (Dr. Sharon Pitteri) to execute
the projects proposed within the SBMC.
The Toolkit Core team has diverse yet complementary areas of expertise and is qualified to specifically address
the unmet needs outlined in this RFA: Metastasis Research Network by providing novel experimental organoid
models, and cutting-edge CRISPR and proteomic tools for characterizing and manipulating the poorly
understood signaling nodes driving brain metastatic disease. Specifically, the Kuo lab will provide patient and
murine-derived brain metastatic 3D organoids to study radiation response in Project 1, explore the intricate
crosstalk between metastatic epithelium and the immune microenvironment in Projects 1 and 2, and develop
novel lymphoid organoids for modeling T-cell priming in Project 3. The Bassik lab will provide innovative
CRISPR tools for targeted genetic screens in Project 1 to explore the interaction between tumor-associated
microglia and metastatic epithelial cells, along with engineering iPSCs for Project 3 to develop vaccine strategies
for brain metastasis. The Pitteri lab will provide proteomic analysis for Projects 1–3, to characterize
glycosylation patterns and features in brain metastatic tissue and organoids, thus providing critical biological
insights into metastatic disease. Together, these resources will empower the diverse investigations of the SBMC
toward improved therapeutic approaches.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10272362
- **Project number:** 1U54CA261717-01
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** CALVIN J KUO
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $143,721
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-21 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10272362

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10272362, TOOLKIT Core (1U54CA261717-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10272362. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*