Investigating how BNIP3 and mitophagy contribute to muscle wasting in cancer patients.
Official title: Role of BNIP3 and mitophagy in muscle atrophy and cancer cachexia
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11073437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called BNIP3 affects muscle loss in people with pancreatic cancer, using mouse models to see how it works and checking muscle samples from patients to find out if BNIP3 can help predict muscle wasting and survival, which could lead to better ways to spot the disease early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | December 5, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $698,076 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA294703-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing muscle wasting or cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not experiencing muscle atrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called BNIP3 and a process known as mitophagy in causing muscle atrophy, particularly in patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. By using specially designed mouse models that mimic human pancreatic cancer, the researchers will explore how BNIP3 leads to the breakdown of muscle fibers and how this process might differ between men and women. Additionally, they will analyze muscle samples from pancreatic cancer patients to see if BNIP3 levels can predict muscle wasting and survival outcomes, potentially leading to new biomarkers for early detection of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing muscle loss in cancer patients, improving their quality of life and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding muscle atrophy in cancer, but this specific approach focusing on BNIP3 and mitophagy is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macleod, Kay F — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Macleod, Kay F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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BNIP3 and muscle wasting in pancreatic cancer
This work looks at whether a protein called BNIP3 drives muscle wasting in people with pancreatic cancer and whether muscle-derived blood markers could help detect cancer earlier.
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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.
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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.
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.