How an enzyme helps cancer cells keep lysosomes acidic under stress
Mechanistic role of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase beta in GTP-dependent lysosomal acidification for stress-resilient cell growth and metabolism
This research looks at whether an enzyme called PI5P4Kβ helps cancer cells keep their lysosomes acidic so tumors can survive, aiming to point toward new treatment targets for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232315 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective, the team studies how the enzyme PI5P4Kβ controls lysosome acidity by working with cancer cells and mouse models. They will change PI5P4Kβ activity and measure lysosome function, stress responses, and tumor growth, and they will examine the enzyme's unusual use of GTP to do its job. The researchers use genetic manipulation and biochemical tests to see whether blocking PI5P4Kβ makes cancer cells less able to handle stress and more vulnerable. The work is lab-based and focused on finding molecular steps that could become targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers characterized by high anabolic metabolism or tumors known to rely on lysosomal degradation pathways would be most relevant to future clinical efforts based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients needing immediate clinical treatment or whose tumors do not depend on lysosomal pathways are unlikely to directly benefit from this early lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new drug target that makes cancer cells more vulnerable to stress and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse genetic studies show PI5P4Kβ affects stress responses, metabolism, and tumor behavior, but translating those findings into human treatments is still early and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sasaki, Atsuo — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Sasaki, Atsuo
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.