How propionate metabolism affects cancer spread
Propionate metabolism and cancer
This project looks at whether changes in propionate metabolism in tumor cells help breast cancer cells gain the ability to spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are following tumor cells as they undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and measuring proteins, metabolites, and gene activity over time to spot chemical changes. Their multi-omics approach (proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics) revealed rises in propionyl-CoA and methylmalonic acid during this process. The team will test how those propionate-related changes influence cancer cell movement and invasion using laboratory cell models and molecular profiling. Results will guide whether targeting propionate pathways could change tumor behavior or identify markers of metastatic risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer, especially those worried about metastatic risk, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not depend on propionate-related metabolism are unlikely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to blood or tissue markers that predict metastasis and reveal metabolic targets to block cancer spread.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies suggest metabolites can influence cancer progression, but linking propionate metabolism specifically to EMT and metastasis is a newer, early-stage finding.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blenis, John — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Blenis, John
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.