How cells decide between recycling, energy use, and self‑destruction
Mechanisms of autophagy and mTOR signaling
This work looks at how mTOR and related signals control cell recycling (autophagy), energy handling, and cell death in cancers, which could help people with tumors linked to these pathways.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168751 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team at the University of Minnesota is working to understand the molecular switches that tell a cell when to recycle parts, conserve energy, or undergo programmed death. They focus on mTOR signaling and the ULK1 pathway, mapping how chemical tags and protein interactions start and stop autophagy and mitophagy. The lab uses cell-based experiments and molecular techniques to follow these events and to see how mitochondrial energy failure shifts cells toward different fates. Results are basic-science now but could point toward new drug targets or strategies to make cancer cells more vulnerable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers known to involve mTOR pathway changes or abnormal autophagy signaling would be the most relevant future candidates for translation or clinical trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not involve mTOR/autophagy pathways are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic laboratory research, and it does not offer immediate treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets that lead to therapies making cancer cells more likely to die or respond to existing treatments.
How similar studies have performed: mTOR inhibitors (like rapamycin analogs) have shown activity in some cancers, but the specific mechanisms controlling autophagy initiation and termination remain novel and underactive investigation.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Do-Hyung — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kim, Do-Hyung
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.