# Distinct Tumor and Metastatic Collagen Microenvironments: Divergent Targeting Approaches

> **NIH NIH R01** · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $399,013

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Metastatic progression of the primary tumor accounts for the majority of cancer deaths. While the initial steps of
the metastatic cascade are rather well defined, identification of targets to block this process remains a major
clinical challenge. Previous studies have elegantly investigated the mechanistic contribution of tumor cell intrinsic
properties that promote metastasis in bladder urothelial carcinomas. However, the functional significance of the
tumor microenvironment and its contribution to this complicated process is not well characterized, and therefore,
warrants investigation. The long-term goal of this renewal application is to continue explore how collagens—a
major extracellular matrix component of the microenvironment—act as a ligand to mediate crosstalk with their
receptor on tumor cells to facilitate the metastatic cascade. We will investigate the downstream regulatory
mechanisms of collagen receptor signaling in both the primary tumor and metastatic sites, and to exploit these
regulatory processes as a revolutionizing approach to target metastases. Such innovative approaches to perturb
collagen-cancer crosstalk—not only at the primary tumor but also at the metastatic niche—will move the field
forward by providing a new conception in metastatic disease management, and likely extend beyond bladder
carcinomas to other cancer types.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9972653
- **Project number:** 2R01CA175397-06A1
- **Recipient organization:** CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Keith Syson Chan
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $399,013
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2013-09-30 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9972653

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9972653, Distinct Tumor and Metastatic Collagen Microenvironments: Divergent Targeting Approaches (2R01CA175397-06A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9972653. Licensed CC0.

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