How chemotherapy-driven mitochondrial changes in bone marrow may promote cancer spread
Mitochondrial regulation of chemotherapy-induced reactive myelopoiesis and pro-metastatic effects
This project aims to find out whether stopping harmful mitochondrial changes in blood-forming stem cells during chemotherapy can reduce immune-suppressing cells that help cancers spread in people getting chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308195 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, researchers will study how chemotherapy changes mitochondria in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and how those changes drive production of immune-suppressing myeloid cells that can help tumors spread. The team will focus on mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the fission protein Drp1 as possible drivers of these effects. They plan laboratory experiments using cells and preclinical models to see whether blocking Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission or ROS limits reactive myelopoiesis. Results will help identify targets that could be combined with chemotherapy to reduce pro-metastatic immune changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors who are at risk for treatment-related expansion of suppressive myeloid cells or metastasis.
Not a fit: People not receiving chemotherapy or those with cancers driven by unrelated mechanisms may not benefit from the specific mitochondrial-targeting strategies studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments given with chemotherapy to reduce immune-suppressing cells and lower the chance of cancer spread.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies suggest mitochondrial ROS and fission influence blood stem cell behavior, but targeting these pathways for reducing chemo-driven pro-metastatic effects remains largely preclinical and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Louisville, United States
- University of Louisville — Louisville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Chuanlin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Ding, Chuanlin
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.