How mitochondria use nutrients to power cancer and other cells
Metabolic Regulation of Mitochondrial Function
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11142509
This work looks at how nutrient signals change mitochondria so cancer cells and other cells get the energy they need to move and survive.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11142509 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, scientists are studying chemical tags (called O-GlcNAc) on mitochondrial and metabolic proteins that link nutrient status to how mitochondria make and distribute energy inside cells. They will watch where mitochondria sit and move in cells, measure local energy (ATP) levels, and map which proteins are modified under different nutrient conditions. The team will use cell models, biochemical assays, protein mapping, and advanced imaging to connect these molecular changes to behaviors like cancer cell invasion. Findings aim to reveal molecular pathways that could be targeted in future treatments for cancers with altered metabolism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any follow-up or sample-donation opportunities would be people with cancers known for high metabolic activity who can provide tumor tissue or clinical data to researchers.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or cure are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to slow cancer spread or improve therapies that target tumor metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show mitochondrial positioning and O-GlcNAc modifications affect cell behavior, but applying a systematic map of these modifications to cancer invasion is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEKKURNAZ, GULCIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: PEKKURNAZ, GULCIN
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: Cancers