How mitochondrial Complex I truncations affect cancer cells
Defining the function of Complex I truncating mutations in cancer
Learning how specific mitochondrial DNA mutations change cancer cell behavior in colorectal, kidney, and thyroid cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11473572 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, this project uses a new mitochondrial DNA editing tool to introduce disruptive truncating mutations into genes that power cell energy (Complex I) in cancer cell lines grown in the lab. Researchers will measure how these mutations change the mix of normal and mutant mitochondrial DNA (heteroplasmy), cell energy production, and gene activity using single-cell sequencing and biochemical tests. The team focuses on cancer types where these mutations are common, like colorectal, kidney, and thyroid cancers, to see whether the mutations help tumors survive or change their metabolism. Findings will come from carefully controlled lab experiments rather than treatments given to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with colorectal, kidney, or thyroid cancers—especially those whose tumors show mitochondrial DNA mutations—would be most relevant to the findings of this research.
Not a fit: People without cancer or patients whose tumors lack mitochondrial DNA mutations are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new cancer metabolic vulnerabilities that might lead to treatments targeting tumors with mitochondrial DNA defects.
How similar studies have performed: Related work has successfully used DdCBE tools to make point changes in mitochondrial DNA, but deliberately creating truncating Complex I mutations in cancer cells is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reznik, Eduard — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Reznik, Eduard
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.