Autophagy's Role in Protecting Against Inflammation and Cancer
Autophagy-mediated defense against inflammation and cancer
This project looks at how a natural cell process called autophagy helps protect our bodies from inflammation and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115654 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a natural cleaning process called autophagy that helps cells remove damaged parts. This project explores how this process helps protect against inflammation and cancer. Researchers are using advanced genetic and cellular techniques, including 3D cell models and specialized mice, to understand how problems with autophagy can lead to increased inflammation and the development of cancers. We want to uncover the exact ways autophagy influences these conditions to find new ways to help.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is not directly recruiting patients but aims to understand disease mechanisms that could eventually benefit individuals with chronic inflammation or certain types of cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat inflammation-related diseases and certain cancers by targeting the autophagy pathway.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of autophagy is well-established, this specific focus on UVRAG mutant mice and its detailed mechanisms in inflammation and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Chengyu — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Liang, Chengyu
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.