# A transdisciplinary approach for dissecting stem cell states in prostate cancer

> **NIH NIH U01** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $672,295

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive prostate cancer progression has profound significance for
defining the biology of lethal prostate cancer. The cancer stem cell model proposes that cells within a tumor are
organized in a hierarchical lineage relationship and display different tumorigenic potential. This model has
important translational implications since it suggests that effective therapeutics should target cancer stem cells
that sustain tumor malignancy. However, despite intensive investigation, long-standing questions about the
existence and properties of prostate cancer stem cells remain unresolved. To identify, characterize, and
therapeutically target this population, we will combine the expertise of cancer stem cell researchers with
computational/mathematical approaches. Leveraging techniques from theoretical physics (Random Matrix
Theory) and algebraic topology (Topological Data Analysis), we will provide a statistical framework to dissect a
molecular signature (termed CasPro) implicated in progenitor activity in prostate tumors. We will experimentally
validate our findings by investigating CasPro-high cells in genetically-engineered mouse models of prostate
cancer and analyzing their functional properties in assays of stem cell activities. These findings will then be
further validated in studies of human prostate tumor samples, particularly from patients with treatment-resistant
castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In the longer-term, we anticipate that our studies of key regulators
of the stem cell signature as well as the epigenomic landscape of CasPro-high cells will identify novel targets for
therapy, and lead to novel candidate drugs for these targets. Further development of candidate drugs might
result in inhibition of cancer stem cell activity, thereby providing potential treatments for CRPC.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10273639
- **Project number:** 1U01CA261822-01
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Raul Rabadan
- **Activity code:** U01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $672,295
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-20 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10273639

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10273639, A transdisciplinary approach for dissecting stem cell states in prostate cancer (1U01CA261822-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-11 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10273639. Licensed CC0.

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