The centerpiece of this funding surge is the substantial renewal and expansion of Rice’s Genetic Design and Engineering Center (GDEC). Established initially in 2022 with support from CPRIT, GDEC functions as a pivotal biotech core facility dedicated to the development and provision of intricate DNA tools for cancer and biomedical researchers. The infusion of $2 million will facilitate the addition of an automated mammalian cell hub, vastly enhancing GDEC’s capabilities to generate sophisticated cell models and conduct high-throughput, precise manipulation of mammalian cells. This expansion integrates synthetic biology and genome engineering with robotic automation, streamlining complex processes that previously demanded extensive manual effort.

At the core of GDEC’s mission lies the ability to bridge synthetic biology with genome editing technologies, enabling researchers to design novel genetic circuits and engineer specific genomic alterations with high precision. Leveraging CRISPR-based technologies and next-generation DNA synthesis, the center accelerates exploratory cancer biology studies by creating customized cellular models that mimic tumor biology and treatment responses. The automated mammalian cell hub represents a transformative leap, empowering large-scale production and manipulation of these models under tightly controlled conditions, indispensable for in vitro and preclinical testing.

This technological advancement arrives at a crucial juncture when cancer treatment paradigms are rapidly evolving. The five-year relative survival rate for all cancers in the U.S. has climbed to 70%, a notable increase from the less optimistic rates in the 1970s. Breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have catalyzed this progress, focusing scientific efforts on treatments that exploit the biological intricacies of tumors and the immune microenvironment. Immunotherapy, particularly through engineered T cell variants, is among the most promising strategies intensively explored at Rice, where mechanistic insights are coupled with engineering tactics to refine therapeutic efficacy.

Within this broader landscape, three key projects—spearheaded by eminent Rice faculty—are channeling CPRIT support to tackle critical challenges in cancer treatment through innovative biological insights. Assistant Professor Anna-Karin Gustavsson’s work on live visualization techniques aims to decode dynamic biological responses to radiation therapy, leveraging sophisticated imaging and biosensors to inform and optimize next-generation therapeutic protocols. This approach not only refines radiation precision but also uncovers cellular pathways that confer resistance or sensitivity, illuminating pathways for combinatorial interventions.

Professor Peter Lillehoj, an expert in mechanical engineering, approaches cancer immunotherapy from a bioengineering perspective, focusing on the enhancement of cancer-fighting T cells. His research integrates microscale engineering and immunological profiling, striving to optimize T cell activation, persistence, and tumor infiltration. The engineering of these lymphocytes demands precise control over cellular biomechanics and signaling pathways, a frontier where mechanical forces intersect with immunomodulation. This initiative stands to expand the therapeutic repertoire of cell-based immunotherapies, particularly in aggressive hematological malignancies.

In parallel, Professor Cynthia Reinhart-King investigates how aging influences ovarian cancer progression. This examination of the tumor microenvironment within aged tissues sheds light on the altered biophysical and biochemical cues that potentiate cancer spread in elderly populations. Her research transcends traditional molecular biology by embedding principles of tissue mechanics and cellular microenvironmental changes, unveiling age-dependent vulnerabilities that could be exploited for targeted interventions. This holistic perspective is crucial for developing therapies tailored to the complex realities of cancer in aged patients.

Central to these endeavors is the synergy created between innovative core facilities and expert-led research. Gang Bao, Foyt Family Professor of Bioengineering, along with colleagues Caleb Bashor and Elizabeth Gardner, steward the GDEC’s expansive capabilities to provide essential genetic engineering resources. Their leadership ensures the seamless integration of synthetic biology with high-throughput automation, enabling groundbreaking projects in cancer genetics and immunoengineering to proceed at an unprecedented scale and speed. The facility’s robotic platforms execute intricate genome editing, DNA assembly, and cell culture with precision and reproducibility rarely attainable in traditional laboratory environments.

This orchestration of expertise and technology underscores a broader trend in oncology research: the convergence of engineering, synthetic biology, and immunology to develop precise, patient-tailored therapies. The CPRIT-funded expansion at Rice exemplifies how state-of-the-art infrastructure can catalyze collaborative science, accelerate discovery, and ultimately translate into clinical breakthroughs. By automating labor-intensive processes and fostering interdisciplinary research, the GDEC aims to empower the scientific community to overcome complex biological challenges and pioneer novel cancer treatments.

Moreover, the robust institutional support signals a commitment to academic excellence and scientific leadership in Texas, aiming to attract distinguished researchers whose work will enhance cancer research programs significantly. This strategy includes recruiting faculty with diverse expertise capable of bridging fundamental research and translational medicine. The potential expansion of Rice’s research faculty through CPRIT funding is anticipated to spur innovation clusters around cancer biology, cell engineering, and therapeutic development.

The increasing efficacy of cancer treatments owes much to the transition from nonspecific cytotoxic approaches toward therapies designed with molecular and cellular precision. By embracing this evolution, Rice University and CPRIT are affirming their roles as pivotal contributors in the pursuit to understand cancer’s complexity and devise transformative medical interventions. The augmented GDEC facility and supported projects are poised to dissect cancer mechanisms with unprecedented clarity, engineering solutions from cellular constituents upward.

Initiatives like these underscore the essential role of centralized core facilities that couple advanced technology platforms with expert knowledge. Such centers not only democratize access to cutting-edge tools but also enhance reproducibility and throughput in experimental workflows. The GDEC’s continued growth exemplifies this model, which stands as a beacon for collaborative research ecosystems, fostering innovation that can be swiftly translated into clinical contexts.

In essence, the recent CPRIT funding marks a strategic investment in the technological and intellectual infrastructure necessary for next-generation cancer research. Through a coordinated emphasis on genetic engineering, immunotherapy enhancement, and age-related cancer biology, Rice University is positioning itself at the forefront of efforts to transform cancer treatment paradigms. The coming years hold promise for breakthroughs that could redefine patient outcomes and establish new standards in oncological care.

Subject of Research: Cancer research, genetic engineering, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, ovarian cancer, aging and cancer progression

Article Title: Not provided

News Publication Date: June 8, 2026

Web References:
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/anna-karin-gustavsson
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/peter-b-lillehoj
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/cynthia-reinhart-king
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/gang-bao
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/caleb-bashor
– https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/elizabeth-gardner

Image Credits: Photo by Jeff Fitlow/Rice University

Keywords: Cancer treatments, Cancer immunology, Ovarian cancer, Immunotherapy, Medical treatments, Radiation therapy, Cell therapies, Scientific community, Scientific facilities

ATLAS addresses a fundamental roadblock in metastasis research by enabling the generation of abundant cancer cell clusters under laboratory conditions that closely simulate the tumor microenvironment and circulatory system. Traditional methods often struggle with scalability, reproducibility, and faithfully replicating the mechanical and biological stresses experienced by metastatic clusters in vivo. The Rice team’s system stands apart by employing superhydrophobic surfaces, a concept inspired by natural water-repellent materials like lotus leaves. These surfaces cause liquid droplets containing cancer cells to form bead-like shapes rather than spread, promoting the aggregation of cells into three-dimensional clusters that retain critical physiological characteristics.

The underlying technology uses 3D-printed microwell arrays coated with nanoscale roughness and nonwetting substances such as Teflon to achieve superhydrophobicity. This design mimics natural water-repelling textures on a nanoscale and enables widespread scalability—a first in tissue engineering. This approach reduces time and cost significantly compared to prior superhydrophobic culture techniques, which relied on more labor-intensive fabrication methods. “Our use of 3D printing to form these specialized surfaces introduces a level of accessibility and reproducibility that could democratize this platform for laboratories globally,” Carter explained.

The ability to form large quantities of homogeneous cancer cell clusters is crucial when investigating the biophysical and biological mechanisms that enable metastatic cells to survive the harsh conditions of bloodstream circulation—characterized by shear stress and immune surveillance. The King lab’s long-standing focus on co-culturing cancer cells alongside stromal cells, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), is key to understanding how tumor microenvironments promote metastatic success. Stromal cells, although noncancerous, influence tumor behavior and resilience dramatically, but their role in cluster survival within the vascular system has remained incompletely characterized.

By leveraging ATLAS, the Rice researchers created prostate cancer cell clusters, both with and without the inclusion of CAFs. Their experiments revealed that cancer clusters have a markedly higher survival rate when traveling as groups rather than as isolated cells, particularly when CAFs are present. These fibroblasts actively facilitate cancer cells’ endurance against the mechanical stressors of blood flow, enabling continuous growth and increased metastatic potential. This finding underscores the critical mechanobiological role of the tumor stroma in metastasis and offers novel avenues for targeted therapies aimed at disrupting this cellular symbiosis.

The insights gained from ATLAS extend beyond methodological advancements; they open promising biological pathways for combating prostate cancer metastasis. Carter emphasized the therapeutic implications: “Our study highlights that targeting the CAF ‘escorts’ accompanying cancer cell clusters could form the basis of next-generation treatments designed to prevent the dissemination of metastatic prostate cancer.” This concept challenges the conventional focus on cancer cells alone and shifts attention toward the supportive cells within the metastatic niche.

ATLAS exemplifies the power of integrating engineering principles with cancer biology to resolve longstanding experimental limitations. The platform sets new standards for studying the dynamic interactions within tumor microenvironments by closely recapitulating physiological blood flow and cellular architecture. Such realistic and high-throughput models will accelerate the development and testing of anti-metastatic drugs, potentially shortening timelines for preclinical research and enhancing translational success.

Alexandria Carter’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond the laboratory. Having completed Rice’s Innovation Fellows program, she is now founding a company named Bionostic to commercialize the ATLAS technology. This venture seeks to make the platform broadly available, transforming metastasis research and drug discovery efforts worldwide. The program, run by Rice’s Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), fosters such translation of academic inventions into practical solutions, reinforcing Rice’s commitment to impactful innovation.

Michael King, a prominent figure in bioengineering and a Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar, echoed the importance of this advancement: “Studying metastasis has always been hindered by inadequate lab models. With ATLAS, we now have an elegant and scalable tool that deepens our comprehension of how cancer spreads, and that will ultimately guide the development of more effective therapies.” His leadership has been instrumental in bridging complex biological questions with cutting-edge material science and engineering techniques.

This new approach couldn’t come at a more critical time as metastatic prostate cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. By uniting nanotechnology, 3D printing, and cellular mechanobiology, the Rice team has illuminated a crucial frontier—how the physical microenvironment and cellular partnerships dictate metastatic fate. The ATLAS system sets a precedent for future versatile models tailored to study different cancer types and microenvironmental factors.

With the patent-pending ATLAS technology, researchers now have at their disposal a scalable, cost-effective, and biologically relevant platform that could transform the exploration of metastatic mechanisms. These advances pave the way for discoveries that were previously out of reach due to technological and experimental constraints. Rice University’s breakthrough offers not just a glimpse into the cellular choreography of metastasis, but a robust tool to reshape cancer research and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

Subject of Research: Cancer metastasis modeling using engineered 3D cell culture systems
Article Title: A Superhydrophobic 3D Cell Culture System Reveals the Mechanobiological Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Prostate Cancer Metastasis
News Publication Date: March 26, 2026
Web References: https://news.rice.edu/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202600011
References: Carter A., Fabiano A., Aalaei E., Deng J., Rostant D., King M. (2026). A Superhydrophobic 3D Cell Culture System Reveals the Mechanobiological Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Prostate Cancer Metastasis. Advanced Healthcare Materials. https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202600011
Image Credits: Photo by Jared Jones/Rice University; Microscopy images courtesy of Alex Carter/Rice University; B-roll by Brandon Martin/Rice University
Keywords: Metastasis, Cancer, Prostate cancer, Superhydrophobicity, Cancer-associated fibroblasts, 3D cell culture, Shear stress, Blood flow, Tumor microenvironment, Nanotechnology, 3D printing, Mechanobiology

The CPRIT grant supporting Wittung-Stafshede’s appointment is part of a broader $67 million investment by the agency to fund cutting-edge cancer research across Texas institutions. This funding surge aims to accelerate scientific discovery in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. Wittung-Stafshede’s expertise lies at the crucial intersection of biophysics, metalloprotein chemistry, and cancer metastasis, making her an invaluable asset for Rice’s drive to deepen its biomedical research capabilities.

Wittung-Stafshede’s prior tenure at Rice as an associate professor of biosciences between 2004 and 2008 laid the foundation for her enduring connection to the university. She expressed enthusiasm for her return, highlighting the unparalleled collaborative environment Rice offers, especially through proximity to the Texas Medical Center, one of the world’s foremost biomedical hubs. This environment promises fertile ground for interdisciplinary synergies bridging chemistry, biology, and clinical research.

Central to Wittung-Stafshede’s scientific inquiry is the study of metalloproteins—protein molecules that bind metal ions such as copper, fundamental to maintaining cellular homeostasis. Her research elucidates the paradoxical role these proteins play in cancer progression. While essential to normal physiology, copper-binding metalloproteins can inadvertently facilitate tumor metastasis by supplying copper, a trace element pivotal for angiogenesis and cellular proliferation in malignant tissues.

Employing an array of sophisticated biochemical and spectroscopic methodologies, her laboratory interrogates the molecular mechanisms underpinning protein-metal interactions. Through spectroscopic techniques like circular dichroism, electron paramagnetic resonance, and nuclear magnetic resonance, her group deciphers the conformational dynamics and metal coordination chemistry that govern protein function and pathological aggregation.

One of the more profound implications of Wittung-Stafshede’s work is the potential to identify novel molecular targets that disrupt copper-dependent pathways exploited by metastatic cancer cells. By unraveling precisely how copper ions modulate the structural and functional properties of these proteins within cancerous environments, her research opens avenues for the design of inhibitors that could arrest metastasis, the leading cause of cancer mortality.

Beyond individual cancer types, Wittung-Stafshede’s research suggests that perturbations in copper metabolism may represent a unifying hallmark across diverse malignancies. This insight raises the tantalizing prospect of developing broad-spectrum anti-metastatic therapies grounded in fundamental bioinorganic chemistry, transcending traditional tumor classification paradigms.

In addition to her cancer-focused investigations, Wittung-Stafshede is deeply engaged with the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Here, the spotlight shifts to metal-binding proteins that undergo pathological aggregation into amyloid fibrils—misfolded protein assemblies implicated in neuronal toxicity and cell death. Her work probes the mechanisms by which metal ions influence amyloid formation, morphology, and toxicity.

A fundamental enigma in neurodegeneration is why certain proteins begin aggregating and how different amyloid conformations emerge. Wittung-Stafshede emphasizes the necessity of basic mechanistic understanding to unravel triggers underpinning metal-induced amyloidogenesis, without which rational therapeutic intervention remains elusive. Her multidisciplinary approach integrates biophysical characterization with cellular models to illuminate these processes.

Since 2015, Wittung-Stafshede has held a professorship in the Chemical Biology division at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, where she also served as division head, fostering excellence in faculty development and gender equality initiatives. Her leadership and prolific scholarly output—exceeding 270 peer-reviewed publications—position her at the forefront of protein chemistry and biomedical research internationally.

Her scientific acumen is further evidenced by her membership on the Nobel Committee for Chemistry since 2020, reflecting her stature within the scientific community. Her career has been marked by pivotal faculty roles in prestigious institutions across North America and Europe, shaping the landscape of molecular life sciences through both research and mentoring.

CPRIT was established through visionary legislative and public support in Texas, reflecting a commitment to making the state a nexus for cancer innovation. Since its inception and latest funding expansion, the agency has deployed more than $3.7 billion in grants and successfully recruited over 300 leading researchers, including Wittung-Stafshede, solidifying Texas as a global leader in cancer research.

Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede’s appointment at Rice represents not just a faculty hire but a strategic enhancement of the university’s ability to tackle some of the most intractable challenges in cancer and neurodegeneration. Her integrative, mechanism-driven approach to biophysics and protein chemistry stands to yield groundbreaking insights with profound translational implications, driving forward the frontiers of science and medicine.

Subject of Research: Molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis and neurodegenerative diseases focusing on metalloproteins and amyloid aggregation.

Article Title: Renowned Biophysicist Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede Joins Rice University with $6 Million CPRIT Grant to Advance Cancer and Neurodegeneration Research

Web References:
– https://cprit.texas.gov/grants-funded
– https://www.cprit.texas.gov/news-events/articles/state-cancer-agency-awards-68-million-in-research-grants-to-texas-institutions/

Image Credits: Photo by Johan Wingborg