How a specific protein affects energy production in prostate cancer cells
Official title: Regulation of Mitochondrial Metabolism by Tyr-phosphorylated ATP Synthase Alpha-Subunit and its Therapeutic Implications in Prostate Cancer
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11046600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein that helps cancer cells produce energy is changed by another enzyme, and it’s testing a new treatment that could block this process to help fight advanced 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 start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $462,560 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273054-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not resistant to castration therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein called ATP synthase in prostate cancer cells, particularly how it is modified by a kinase enzyme known as ACK1. The study aims to understand how this modification enhances the energy production necessary for cancer cell growth and survival. By exploring the effects of a new inhibitor that targets this process, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies to disrupt the energy supply of cancer cells. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for advanced prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target energy production in prostate cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may also be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahajan, Nupam P — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mahajan, Nupam P
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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.