USA Cancer Research Named One of Science鈥檚 Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2025
Posted on January 15, 2026 by Lindsay Hughes
Research led by Simon Grelet, Ph.D., at the University of South Alabama, which uncovered a previously unknown way nerves drive cancer spread, has been recognized as one of .
The honor, announced in the Dec. 18, 2025 issue of Science, highlights major advances across all scientific disciplines. Published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the magazine is regarded as one of the world鈥檚 leading peer-reviewed academic journals, making the selection a significant distinction for both Grelet and the university.
Grelet is an assistant professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and a researcher at the , where he directs the . The selected research identified a novel mechanism by which neurons transfer mitochondria 鈥� the cell鈥檚 energy-producing structures 鈥� to cancer cells. This interaction fuels cancer metastasis and opens new possibilities for therapeutic intervention.
鈥淩eceiving this recognition from Science is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of our work,鈥� Grelet said. 鈥淚t means a great deal to me, and it is deeply rewarding to see this research acknowledged at such a high level.鈥�
Grelet acknowledged that his lab would not have achieved such a comprehensive development without the scientists who partnered in this study, notably the lab team of Gustavo Ayala, M.D., from UTHealth Houston. 鈥淢ost importantly, this recognition reflects the collective efforts of my laboratory members, collaborators and co-authors, who worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is a team achievement grounded in sustained commitment, creativity and perseverance.鈥�
As part of the recognition, Grelet has been invited by a Science editor to present the work at the upcoming AAAS annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, where the editor will introduce his talk.
Grelet noted that the honor brings increased visibility to the field of cancer neuroscience, a growing area of investigation that examines how nerves influence cancer development and progression. Although clinical and pathological studies dating back to the early 2000s first identified tumor innervation as biologically relevant, the field has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Research from Grelet鈥檚 lab has shown that , and more recently, how .
鈥淚 believe the field is now reaching a critical moment, with a growing number of investigators and studies entering this space, where these discoveries can begin to translate into meaningful benefits for patients,鈥� he said.
In parallel, Grelet鈥檚 team is expanding its work in mitochondrial biology, particularly the emerging field of intercellular mitochondrial transfer.
鈥淐ancer rarely invents entirely new mechanisms, but instead hijacks pre-existing physiological processes,鈥� he explained. 鈥淚 believe that our demonstration of mitochondrial transfer at the nerve鈥揷ancer interface may reveal a deeper and previously unrecognized physiological mechanism that cancer exploits during progression.鈥�
Richard Honkanen, Ph.D., professor and chair of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the recognition reflects both Grelet鈥檚 leadership and the university鈥檚 growing research profile.
鈥淭his achievement reflects Dr. Grelet鈥檚 exceptional scientific leadership, creativity, and sustained commitment to ambitious research,鈥� Honkanen said, 鈥渨hile also highlighting the growing strength and national visibility of the department鈥檚 research enterprise and the University of South Alabama鈥檚 expanding role in high-impact biomedical discovery.鈥�
Christopher Davies, Ph.D., associate dean of research at the Whiddon College of Medicine, said the recognition places Grelet among a select group of scientists whose work has had exceptional impact.
鈥淲ith his research being recognized by Science as one of the year鈥檚 breakthrough discoveries, Dr. Grelet joins a truly exclusive group of scientists whose work is judged to be of exceptional significance,鈥� Davies said. 鈥淭his recognition marks another milestone in his rapid ascent as a leader in his field and further elevates the reputation of the University of South Alabama and the Mitchell Cancer Institute as centers of cutting-edge research.鈥�
Grelet said the honor reinforces his commitment to pursuing bold, high-risk ideas in an environment that supports long-term scientific discovery. 鈥淥nly a small fraction of ambitious projects ultimately succeed,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut when they do, it is especially rewarding to see their impact unfold.鈥�
Grelet joined the Whiddon College of Medicine and the Mitchell Cancer Institute in 2020 after completing postdoctoral studies at the Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. He earned a Ph.D. from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research at Reims University in France.
He is a recipient of the and was named the .