How lysosome signaling drives kidney tumors
Dissecting and targeting lysosomal signaling in kidney tumorigenesis
This work looks at how lysosome signaling and the protein TFEB drive kidney tumors and tests ways to block those signals for people with Birt‑Hogg‑Dubé, MiT‑TFE, or related kidney cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294178 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use kidney-specific genetically engineered mouse models and fluorescent CRE reporters alongside cells grown from kidneys to trace how TFEB and lysosomal signaling change cell metabolism and promote tumors. They will combine metabolic, biochemical, cell biology, and large-scale “omics” analyses to map the signaling and metabolic programs that fuel tumor growth. Experiments will probe both mTOR-dependent and mTOR-independent pathways linked to TFEB activity. The goal is to pinpoint pathways that could be targeted to prevent or slow kidney tumor formation in these inherited and related cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Birt‑Hogg‑Dubé syndrome (FLCN mutations), MiT‑TFE renal cell carcinoma, or related inherited kidney cancer syndromes such as tuberous sclerosis are the most directly relevant group.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated types of kidney disease or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this laboratory-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets that lead to therapies to slow or prevent kidney tumors driven by TFEB and lysosomal signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown that TFEB overexpression can drive kidney tumors, but direct therapies targeting TFEB or lysosomal signaling remain largely experimental and untested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zoncu, Roberto — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Zoncu, Roberto
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.