Blocking an enzyme to cut off prostate cancer cells' energy supply
Regulation of Mitochondrial Metabolism by Tyr-phosphorylated ATP Synthase Alpha-Subunit and its Therapeutic Implications in Prostate Cancer
A drug that blocks the ACK1 enzyme to weaken prostate cancer cells by disrupting their energy production, aimed at people with advanced or castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306582 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found that the enzyme ACK1 chemically modifies a mitochondrial protein (ATP5F1a) so prostate cancer cells make more energy. They are testing an ACK1-blocking compound called (R)-9b in lab-grown cancer cells, animal models, and by comparing tumor tissue to normal prostate samples. In preclinical work, (R)-9b disrupted mitochondrial function, triggered removal of damaged mitochondria (mitophagy), and slowed tumor growth. The goal is to use these findings to guide development of new treatments for people with advanced prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced, metastatic, or castration-resistant prostate cancer—especially those whose tumors show high ACK1 activity—are the most likely candidates for this line of treatment.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those with low-risk, early-stage prostate cancer are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that starve resistant prostate cancers by targeting their unique energy machinery.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies targeting mitochondrial function and ACK1 have shown promising anti-tumor effects preclinically, but clinical testing remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahajan, Nupam P — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mahajan, Nupam P
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.