How Metabolism Influences Persister Cells in Mammal Tumors
Official title: Unraveling the Connection: How Metabolism Shapes Mammalian Persister Survival
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11524306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how metabolic changes in tumor cells help a small group of drug-tolerant persister cells survive treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $388,344 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA288236-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11524306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers that frequently relapse after chemotherapy, across various tumor types studied in mammalian cell models.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on persister survival mechanisms may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project looks at why some tumor cells enter a temporary dormant-like state and how their metabolism supports survival during chemotherapy. Researchers will use persister assays, proteomics, metabolomics, redox sensors, and phenotype microarrays across different mammalian cell types and drugs. Fluorescent reporters and microscopy will map how metabolism shifts during entry into and exit from the persister state. The goal is to identify metabolic signatures that could be targeted to prevent relapse.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding persistence could lead to new strategies that prevent tumor relapse by targeting dormant-like cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests transient metabolic rewiring accompanies persister formation, supporting a potential for new interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orman, Mehmet a. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Orman, Mehmet a.
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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.