How mitochondrial calcium signaling affects cancer cell death
Official title: Modulation of ferroptotic cell death by mitochondrial calcium signaling
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11056709 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special kind of cell death that can help fight cancer by figuring out how calcium in cells affects this process, with the hope of finding new ways to make cancer treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $566,379 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA288444-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056709 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with specific types of cancer that have shown resistance to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cancers that are responsive to standard treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, which is linked to cancer cells that resist treatment. The focus is on understanding how mitochondrial calcium signaling influences this process and the surrounding tumor environment. By studying the role of a calcium channel known as the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, the researchers aim to uncover new ways to promote ferroptosis in cancer cells, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cancer therapies. The approach includes genetic manipulation and biochemical analysis to explore the relationship between calcium signaling and cancer cell behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance cancer treatment by promoting ferroptosis in resistant cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting mitochondrial calcium signaling in ferroptosis is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence that similar strategies have shown promise in enhancing cancer therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wen, Haitao — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Wen, Haitao
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.