How Nutrients Affect Cell Processes and Cancer

Mechanisms of Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Dependent Epigenetic Regulation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR · NIH-11115697

This work explores how the food we eat influences cell behavior and contributes to diseases like cancer by changing how our genes are regulated.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11115697 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our health is deeply connected to the nutrients we consume and how our bodies use them, with imbalances often playing a role in diseases such as cancer. This project aims to uncover the specific ways that nutrient signals communicate with our cells' genetic material, known as the epigenome, to control cell function. We are particularly interested in a pathway called mTORC1, which is activated by nutrients and often goes awry in cancer, to understand how it influences these genetic changes. By studying these fundamental processes, we hope to learn how nutrient exposures impact health and how problems in nutrient signaling lead to disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals with cancers and other conditions where nutrient signaling and epigenetic regulation are involved.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to nutrient signaling or epigenetic regulation may not directly benefit from this specific line of basic research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding these basic cellular mechanisms could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cancers and other diseases linked to nutrient signaling.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous successful work in defining how nutrient signaling pathways operate at a cellular level.

Where this research is happening

MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.