How a faulty urea cycle contributes to liver cancer development
Defective urea cycle promotes oncogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma
This study is looking at how problems with the body's way of processing ammonia might lead to liver cancer, and it's using mice to help find new ways to understand and treat this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10980165 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the urea cycle and ammonia handling in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of liver cancer. It focuses on how disruptions in the urea cycle enzymes and the synthesis of glutamate and glutamine can promote tumor growth. Using mouse models, the study examines the relationship between ammonia levels, urea cycle activity, and cancer progression, aiming to uncover new insights into liver cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with liver disease or elevated ammonia levels.
Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer unrelated to urea cycle dysfunction or those without liver disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating liver cancer by targeting the metabolic pathways involved in ammonia handling.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that targeting metabolic pathways can be effective in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zong, Wei-Xing — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zong, Wei-Xing
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.