Investigating how a specific enzyme affects kidney cancer growth
Official title: The role of the RNA demethylase FTO in metabolic reprogramming of renal cell carcinoma
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11015035 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called FTO affects the growth of a type of kidney cancer called clear cell renal cell carcinoma, especially when a key gene is missing, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients with advanced kidney cancer feel better and live longer.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $459,722 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272432-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015035 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage kidney cancer or those whose cancer is not clear cell renal cell carcinoma may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common and aggressive type of kidney cancer. It aims to understand the role of the RNA demethylase FTO in the growth and survival of ccRCC cells, particularly in cases where the VHL tumor suppressor gene is lost. By exploring the mechanisms by which FTO contributes to cancer progression, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced kidney cancer. The approach includes studying the interactions between FTO and cancer cell metabolism, which may lead to innovative treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with advanced kidney cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
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.