NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

How mTORC1 affects oral cancer growth and signaling

Official title: Spatial regulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and its role in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10917109 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a protein called mTORC1 affects the growth of mouth cancer cells by seeing where it is located inside the cells, which could help find new ways to treat this type of cancer.

More Carcinoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$43,669
NIH project number5F31DE032886-02
Project IDNIH-10917109 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of cancers or those without a diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein complex called mTORC1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma, focusing on how its location within cells influences cancer cell growth and behavior. The study uses advanced techniques, including genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors, to observe mTORC1 activity in real-time within living cells. By understanding how mTORC1 operates in different parts of the cell, particularly in the nucleus, the researchers aim to uncover new insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting the mTORC1 signaling pathway.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting mTORC1 in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sahan, Ayse Zisan — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Sahan, Ayse Zisan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.