How breast cancer metabolism affects nerve growth in tumors
Investigating the role of metabolic rewiring in breast tumor innervation
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE · NIH-11326286
This project looks at whether changes in breast cancer cell metabolism cause nerves to grow into tumors and help the cancer spread, which could matter for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11326286 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses human tumor samples, 3‑D tumor models, and animal experiments to study how changes in cancer cell metabolism encourage nerve fibers to grow into breast tumors. Scientists will examine metabolic programs like aerobic glycolysis and glutamine use, measure neurotrophin release and extracellular matrix changes, and manipulate these pathways to see if reducing metabolic rewiring lowers tumor innervation and metastasis. The team aims to connect findings from lab models back to actual patient tumors to identify metabolic targets that could block nerve-driven spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with breast cancer who can donate tumor tissue or consent to their tumor samples being analyzed for research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those unable to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify metabolic targets that prevent nerve growth into tumors and reduce the risk of breast cancer spreading.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has linked tumor innervation and metabolic changes to worse outcomes, but directly targeting metabolic drivers of nerve growth is a relatively new and still experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE — FAYETTEVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SONG, YOUNGHYE — UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT FAYETTEVILLE
- Study coordinator: SONG, YOUNGHYE
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.