Title:
Stem Cells and Cancer (New Program Announcement)

Contact:
R. Allan Mufson, Ph.D.
Cancer Immunology and Hematology Branch
Division of Cancer Biology
NCI
Telephone: 301-496-7815
E-mail: mblehar@mail.nih.gov

Objective of Project:

The objective of this Program Announcement is to encourage research in the area of tumor stem cells, including research on the generality of the occurrence of tumor stem cells in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Research in all areas of tumor stem cell molecular and cellular biology will be encouraged. In addition, we will encourage investigators performing research in the areas of normal adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells to apply their expertise to investigating tumor stem cell biology.

Description of Project:

The NCI wishes to encourage the submission of research grant applications in the area of tumor stem cells. Knowledge relevant to whether the occurrence of tumor stem cells in tumors may be a general phenomenon in tumor development is needed. In addition, information on the cell and molecular biology of tumor stem cells is needed. We are also interested in further understanding the ability of stem cells to trans-differentiate. Investigators in all aspects of stem cell biology (i.e., adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells) will be encouraged to apply their expertise to understanding tumor stem cell biology.