How higher acidity inside cells affects cancer behavior
Official title: Increased Intracellular pH Promotes Cancer Cell Behaviors
Funded at San Jose State University · NIH-11115596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Jose State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Jose, United States) |
| Project start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $146,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153640-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with various types of cancer, particularly those exhibiting aggressive growth or metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not exhibit increased intracellular pH may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 State University
San Jose, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grillo-Hill, Bree K. — San Jose State University
- Study coordinator: Grillo-Hill, Bree K.
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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.