How the FTO protein changes metabolism in clear cell kidney cancer
Official title: The role of the RNA demethylase FTO in metabolic reprogramming of renal cell carcinoma
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11262192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking to see if blocking the FTO protein can slow growth of VHL-deficient clear cell kidney cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | March 10, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $429,345 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272432-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262192 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially those with VHL-deficient tumors or who have progressed on HIF-2 inhibitor therapy, would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
✕Less likely to help
People with non–clear cell kidney cancers, early-stage disease cured by surgery, or unrelated kidney conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on clear cell kidney cancer, the most common and aggressive form of kidney cancer, and a protein called FTO that helps cancer cells rewire their metabolism. Scientists will study tumor cells and models that lack the VHL tumor suppressor to understand how FTO supports cancer cell survival. They will test whether reducing FTO activity slows tumor growth and whether this approach could work alongside existing drugs like HIF-2 inhibitors. The work is lab- and preclinical-model based and aims to create a foundation for future patient trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to a new targeted treatment option for patients with advanced or drug-resistant clear cell kidney cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Drugs targeting HIF-2 have shown clinical benefit in clear cell kidney cancer, but targeting FTO is a newer, preclinical approach with promising laboratory results yet to be proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rankin, Erinn B — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Rankin, Erinn B
Related research
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Targeting HIF2 in kidney cancer: a new approach for clear cell RCC
A kidney cancer research program tests whether blocking HIF2 can slow or stop tumors in people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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.