How mitochondria affect blood cell formation during chemotherapy
Official title: Mitochondrial regulation of chemotherapy-induced reactive myelopoiesis and pro-metastatic effects
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11109847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how chemotherapy affects blood cells that help control the immune system, especially focusing on tiny parts of the cells called mitochondria, to find new ways to make chemotherapy work better for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $220,018 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA288604-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who may experience immune suppression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing chemotherapy or those with non-cancerous conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chemotherapy influences the production of certain blood cells that can suppress the immune system. It focuses on the role of mitochondria in blood stem and progenitor cells, particularly how they respond to inflammation and produce reactive oxygen species. By understanding these processes, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The study will explore the mechanisms by which mitochondrial dynamics affect blood cell development and cancer metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cancer treatments that enhance the immune response during chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting mitochondrial dynamics in this context is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the importance of metabolic alterations in blood cell formation during cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Chuanlin — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Ding, Chuanlin
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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.