Investigating how AMPK affects muscle mass and function in cancer cachexia
Official title: The Role of AMPK in Regulating Muscle Mass and Function in Cancer Cachexia
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11088167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called AMPK can help cancer patients who are losing weight and muscle strength, with the goal of finding new ways to improve their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $122,121 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AR080787-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing cancer cachexia due to cancer or its treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not diagnosed with cancer or do not exhibit symptoms of cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on cancer cachexia, a condition that leads to significant weight loss and muscle wasting in cancer patients, negatively impacting their quality of life and physical function. The study aims to explore the role of AMPK, a protein that regulates energy in muscle cells, in combating the muscle loss associated with cancer and its treatments. By understanding how AMPK functions in this context, the researchers hope to develop new therapies that can improve muscle mass and function in affected patients. The approach includes examining the relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle health in cancer cachexia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help cancer patients maintain muscle mass and improve their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of AMPK in muscle regulation is known, the specific application to cancer cachexia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kerr, Haiming Liu — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kerr, Haiming Liu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
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Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
-
Stopping an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 to prevent cancer-related muscle loss
This work explores whether blocking an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 can stop or reverse the severe muscle wasting that often affects people with pancreatic cancer.
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How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
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.