Metastasis Research Network (MetNet)
Metastasis Research Network (MetNet)
Understanding the spectrum of complex metastatic processes is important to the development of a comprehensive and cohesive understanding of cancer metastasis. The Metastasis Research Network (MetNet) supports several U54 Specialized Centers (RFA-CA-20-029). These collaborative, multidisciplinary projects focus on several themes of the metastatic process and utilize integrative systems-level approaches.
The MetNet will advance the understanding of metastasis as a non-linear, dynamic, and emergent process and promote advances in mechanistic understanding of early dissemination, cellular and physical microenvironment crosstalk, dormancy, and mechanisms of responses by metastatic cells to therapies. The network integrates multiple perspectives and expertise to advance metastasis research, including scientific experts in different fields, physicians, and research advocates.
MetNet Funding Opportunity
PAR-22-234: MetNet Research Projects (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
MetNet Research Advocates
MetNet brings together scientific experts in different disease and research areas to find answers to why and how metastasis occurs in cancer and discover solutions to prevent, control and ultimately eradicate it. Patient advocates bring a unique perspective to each MetNet center, working as valued partners with the researchers. They incorporate the patient experience into basic and translational research, having experienced cancer or supported someone with cancer.
The advocates have three primary roles:
- Engage in a scientific discussion with the investigators to communicate patient priorities, preferences, and concerns.
- Mentor researchers to broaden their understanding of the disease, help them communicate their work in a way that is accessible for those outside the scientific community, and gain perspective on the impact they have on patients’ lives.
- Serve as a liaison to their communities by translating the progress of scientific research from MetNet for a general audience.
The research advocates are each a member of one of the five MetNet academic institutions’ centers, and they also work together on common advocacy goals across the centers.
MetNet News and Publications
Congratulations to the poster and flash talk award winners at the 2023 MetNet Investigators Meeting!
Poster Presentation Awards
Thank you to the MetNet Advocacy Working Group for reviewing the meeting posters and presenting the awards.
- Elena Cambria, Ph.D. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Influence of primary tumor stiffness on metastatic progression via “cell mechanical memory”
- Aparajita Khan, Ph.D. (Stanford University): Distinct genetic alterations driving aggressive brain metastasis in colorectal cancer
- Andrey Rubanov (NYU Langone Health): Chromatin remodeling by CHD7 regulates melanoma metastasis and anti-tumor immunity
Flash Talk Presentation Award
- Kat Liu (Stanford University): Tumor-intrinsic and 3D-specific type I interferon production and signaling in MCF7 spheroids
Upcoming and Past Meetings
October 11-12, 2023 - MetNet Investigators Meeting
December 2, 2021 - MetNet Kickoff Meeting
September 24, 2021 - MetNet Center Introductions
MetNet Social Media
MetNet research and funding opportunities are shared on Twitter: @NCIsysbio
Contacts for MetNet
For additional information about the MetNet, please contact Dr. Joanna Watson, Dr. Christine Nadeau, or Dr. Brunilde Gril.
Funded Projects
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University | Christina Curtis | Evolutionary dynamics and microenvironmental determinants of metastatic breast cancer |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Roger Kamm, Vivek Shenoy | Mechanical determinants of organ-selective metastatic colonization, dormancy, and outgrowth |
| Stanford University | Melanie Hayden Gephart | Deconvolution and interruption of the cancer-neuro-immune axis facilitating brain metastases |
| Rockefeller University | Sohail Tavazoie | Center for systems-level study of metastasis |
| New York University School of Medicine | Eva Hernando, Iman Osman | NYULH Metastasis Research Network Center (NYULH MetNet Center) |