How fasting affects intestinal stem cells and cancer development
Official title: The lysosomal fasting response in intestinal stem cells and cancer
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-10945493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fasting affects special cells in our intestines that can help with cancer development, and it aims to find new ways to improve cancer treatments by understanding how these cells work during fasting.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $606,698 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK140310-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cancer or those interested in the effects of fasting on health and stem cell function.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by cancer or do not have an interest in fasting-related health improvements may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of fasting on intestinal stem cells and their role in cancer development. It focuses on understanding how lysosomes, which are essential for cellular metabolism and homeostasis, respond to fasting and influence stem cell activity. By studying the mechanisms involved, particularly the roles of specific transcription factors, the research aims to uncover new insights that could lead to improved therapies for cancer and other health conditions. Patients may benefit from findings that enhance our understanding of stem cell biology and cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve health outcomes for patients with cancer and other related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of fasting in enhancing stem cell activity and its implications for cancer, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yilmaz, Omer — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Yilmaz, Omer
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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.