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 collaborative, multidisciplinary projects that focus on several themes of the metastatic process and use integrative systems-level approaches.
MetNet is advancing the understanding of metastasis as a non-linear, dynamic, and emergent process, as well as revealing mechanistic insights 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 having 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
New MetNet Awards
New U01 grants for MetNet were awarded in 2024.
Drs. Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, Brian Brown and Maria Sosa with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine MetNet project are investigating disseminated cancer cell clonal cooperation and immune control in dormancy and metastasis.
The University of Texas Health Science Center MetNet Project, led by Dr. Tim Huang, is studying the role of tumor-macrophage hybrid cells in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Drs. Andrew Oberst and Mark Headley with the University of Washington MetNet Project are investigating the role of apoptotic cells (undergoing programmed cell death) in promoting metastasis.
Publication Highlights
- Researchers with the Rockefeller University MetNet Center revealed that tumor-induced hyperactivation of sensory neurons regulates multiple aspects of breast cancer metastasis. According to Veena Padmanaban (first author of the study), “This is an exciting discovery—no one has seen peripheral nerves release a signal to enhance metastasis before.” Additionally, the findings showed that targeting this neuro–cancer signaling axis with aprepitant (an FDA approved anti-nausea drug) suppressed breast cancer growth and metastasis in preclinical models.
- By analyzing sequencing data and using computational approaches, Houlahan et al. with the Stanford Breast Metastasis MetNet Center found that germline-mediated immunoediting shapes breast cancer subtypes and metastatic potential. When describing the research, Dr. Christina Curtis (lead investigator of the study) said, “We find that the path to tumor development is constrained by hereditary factors and immunity. This new result unearths a new class of biomarkers to forecast tumor progression and an entirely new way of understanding breast cancer origins.”
- Researchers with the MIT MetNet Center discussed how biophysical adaptations in the primary tumor microenvironment continue to promote metastasis via cellular mechanical memory.
Upcoming and Past Meetings
October 20 - 23, 2024 - MetNet Investigators Annual Meeting (Joint with the Cancer Systems Biology Consortium)
October 11 - 12, 2023 - MetNet Investigators Annual Meeting
October 17 - 18, 2022 - MetNet Investigators Annual 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
MetNet Research Centers (U54s)
| 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) |
MetNet Research Projects (U01s)
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine | Julio Aguirre-Ghiso, Brian D. Brown, Maria Sosa | Investigating disseminated cancer cell clonal cooperation and immune control in dormancy and metastasis |
| Johns Hopkins University | Andrew J. Ewald | Mapping the single cell state basis of metastasis in space and time |
| University of Texas Health Science Center | Tim H.M. Huang | The role of tumor-macrophage hybrid cells in prostate cancer metastasis |
| University of Washington | Andrew A. Oberst, Mark B. Headley | Promotion of metastasis by apoptotic cells |
| Washington University in St. Louis | David G. DeNardo, Li Ding, Ryan C. Fields | The impact of metastatic site on dendritic cell-driven tumor immunity |