How higher acidity inside cells affects cancer behavior

Increased Intracellular pH Promotes Cancer Cell Behaviors

NIH-funded research San Jose State University · NIH-11115596

This study is looking at how higher acidity inside cancer cells affects their growth and movement, focusing on a specific protein that might help us understand how these changes could lead to more aggressive cancer behavior, with the hope of finding new ways to treat cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSan Jose State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Jose, United States)
Project IDNIH-11115596 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how increased acidity within cancer cells influences their growth and movement. By examining the role of pH-sensitive proteins, the study aims to understand how changes in intracellular pH can lead to cancerous behaviors such as uncontrolled growth and invasion. The researchers will focus on the proto-oncogene Myc and its relationship with autophagy, a process that can lead to cell death. Through this work, they hope to uncover new insights into cancer biology that could inform future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer, particularly those exhibiting aggressive growth or metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not exhibit increased intracellular pH may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cancer cell behavior and improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting intracellular pH in cancer is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer research.

Where this research is happening

San Jose, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.