How a type of cell death called ferroptosis affects aging and reproductive cells
Molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis induction throughout germline development and aging
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11245744
Researchers are studying how ferroptosis, a form of iron-driven cell death, happens during aging and in reproductive cells to help people with cancer and age-related diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PULLMAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11245744 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses a tiny roundworm (C. elegans) as a powerful genetic model to find what triggers ferroptosis, focusing on how certain dietary fats, iron, and antioxidant systems affect cell survival. They combine dietary experiments, genetic tools, and biochemical tests to trace lipid changes and organelle contributions to ferroptosis in germ cells as the animals age. Key discoveries from worms are checked in mammalian models to see which findings are likely relevant to human disease. The work aims to pinpoint molecules or pathways that could be targeted to either kill cancer cells or protect tissues in degenerative illnesses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that might be treated by drugs that trigger ferroptosis, or patients with age-related degenerative diseases linked to ferroptotic damage, are the most likely to benefit from downstream therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to ferroptosis biology or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to be helped directly by this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that lead to treatments that either trigger ferroptosis in tumors or prevent damaging ferroptosis in aging and degenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Similar ferroptosis-targeting approaches have shown promise in cell and animal cancer models, but translation to human treatments is still early and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
PULLMAN, UNITED STATES
- WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY — PULLMAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WATTS, JENNIFER L — WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WATTS, JENNIFER L
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.
Conditions: Cancer Treatment, Cancer cell line, Cancerous, Cancers