Jenifer Gomez-Pastora has received a grant to support breast cancer research over the next two years.
Jenifer Gomez-Pastora, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering, has received a $200,000 grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to support groundbreaking breast cancer research over the next two years.
The project aims to develop a novel method for isolating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), a rare but critical subpopulation of tumor cells responsible for cancer metastasis and recurrence. Unlike most tumor cells, CSCs can self-renew indefinitely and are often resistant to chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
"Current techniques used to isolate these cells rely heavily on surface markers, which are limited and inconsistent across breast cancer subtypes," Gomez said. "There is no known cure for metastatic breast cancer. Therefore, it is critical to identify malignant and metastatic cells in tumors early after diagnosis to help guide clinical decisions."
Her research proposes a new strategy based on iron metabolism, which is often altered in cancer. Recent studies have shown that CSCs in a range of tumors preferentially absorb and store more iron than other cells, making them detectable through their magnetic properties. Gomez’s lab will utilize this trait to isolate CSCs by inducing a magnetic moment in iron-rich cells, allowing for their separation in both lab and animal models.
“This technology has the potential to provide a solution to this issue by providing a unique, cost-effective, fast, and reliable method to isolate the cancer stem cells from a variety of tumor types,” she said.
In addition to isolating CSCs, the research is expected to improve scientific understanding of iron metabolism and its role in cancer progression. Ultimately, Gomez’s work could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of breast cancer.
The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, one of the nation’s largest cancer research funding organizations, awards competitive grants to researchers throughout the state to support cancer prevention and treatment innovations.