Investigating how a specific protein helps cancer cells survive stress

Probing a novel signaling complex that sustains AKT activation to support stress survival in cancer

NIH-funded research Cornell University · NIH-10917140

This study is looking at how cancer cells stay alive and keep growing even when they're under stress, like not getting enough nutrients, by focusing on a specific protein that helps them survive tough situations.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCornell University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ithaca, United States)
Project IDNIH-10917140 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cancer cells manage to survive under stressful conditions, such as lack of nutrients. It examines a protein complex that activates a key signaling pathway (AKT) that is often overactive in cancer. By studying this complex, researchers aim to uncover how cancer cells resist cell death and continue to grow, even when faced with challenges. The approach involves analyzing various cancer cell lines to see how they respond to stress and what role this protein plays in their survival.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with aggressive forms of cancer that exhibit resistance to treatment and survive under nutrient-deprived conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage or non-aggressive cancers may not receive significant benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that target cancer cell survival mechanisms, potentially improving outcomes for patients with aggressive cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar signaling pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Ithaca, 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.
Conditions Cancer TreatmentCancer cell lineCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.