How mitochondrial glutathione helps breast cancer grow and spread
The role of mitochondrial glutathione homeostasis in tumor formation
['FUNDING_R01'] · ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY · NIH-11307099
Researchers are looking at whether a mitochondrial antioxidant called glutathione helps breast cancer cells survive, spread, and resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307099 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered a mitochondrial carrier called SLC25A39 that helps import glutathione into mitochondria and found it linked to worse outcomes in breast cancer patients. In the lab they will study how mitochondrial glutathione and SLC25A39 support tumor cell survival, invasion, and resistance to chemotherapy using breast cancer cells and models. The team will combine biochemical and proteomics approaches with analysis of tumor data to understand the molecular steps involved. The goal is to find vulnerabilities that could be targeted to block cancer spread or improve responses to treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those with aggressive, metastatic, or treatment‑resistant tumors—would be the most relevant group for future trials or to contribute tumor samples to this research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those with very early, low‑risk breast tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block a cancer cell's antioxidant defenses and help stop metastasis or make existing therapies work better.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work supports the idea that disrupting antioxidant systems can slow tumors, but targeting mitochondrial GSH import via SLC25A39 is a newer approach that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BIRSOY, KIVANC — ROCKEFELLER UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BIRSOY, KIVANC
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: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Cell, Breast Cancer Model, Breast Cancer Patient, Breast Cancer Prevention