Do tumors trigger muscle wasting by disrupting myosin?
Assessing if tumor induced muscle cachexia is initiated by defects in Myosin Heavy Chain production and localization in a Drosophila tumor model
Researchers will use a fruit fly tumor model to find out if early changes in myosin cause the muscle wasting that happens with cancer, with the goal of helping people who develop cachexia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sam Houston State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntsville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135530 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a Drosophila (fruit fly) tumor model to look for early, predictable changes in muscle that precede cancer-associated wasting. The team will examine myosin heavy chain production and localization and test whether the Hippo signaling pathway controls these early events. They will use tissue-specific genetic tools, staining, and imaging to trace when and where muscle changes begin during tumor development. The work is basic and lab-based but aims to reveal early markers or mechanisms that could guide future patient diagnostics or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer who are losing weight or showing muscle weakness and are interested in research that could lead to earlier detection or prevention of cachexia.
Not a fit: People without cancer or those whose weight loss has non-cachexia causes are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to early signs or targets for preventing or treating cancer-related muscle wasting in patients.
How similar studies have performed: Using fly models to study tumor-driven muscle wasting is a relatively new but promising preclinical approach with some supportive early findings, though clinical translation remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Huntsville, United States
- Sam Houston State University — Huntsville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Atkins, Mardelle Renee — Sam Houston State University
- Study coordinator: Atkins, Mardelle Renee
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.