How low oxygen helps cancer cells pack their sugar‑burning machinery
Function, regulation, and conservation of hypoxia-induced glycolysis condensates
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11318932
Researchers are looking at how low oxygen makes yeast, worm, and cancer cells group glycolysis enzymes together so they can keep making energy and survive.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318932 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
In low‑oxygen areas like many solid tumors, cells shift to glycolysis to make energy, and this project examines structures called G bodies where those enzymes cluster. The team uses yeast, C. elegans, and human cancer cell lines to purify these condensates, identify their protein and RNA parts, and map signaling pathways that control their formation. They combine biochemical purification, genome‑wide screens, and enzyme activity tests to see whether G bodies actually boost glycolysis. Understanding whether and how these structures help cells survive could point to new ways to target tumor metabolism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with solid tumors who are willing to donate tumor tissue or participate in future trials aimed at tumor metabolism would be the most relevant candidates for involvement.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not rely on glycolysis for survival are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to weaken cancer cells that survive in low‑oxygen tumor regions and lead to therapies that block that survival trick.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies have observed these glycolytic condensates in yeast, worms, and cancer cell lines and early results suggest they increase enzyme activity, but translating this to treatments is a new direction.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KIM, JOHN — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KIM, JOHN
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.
Conditions: Cancer cell line