Investigating how BNIP3 and mitophagy contribute to muscle wasting in cancer patients.
Role of BNIP3 and mitophagy in muscle atrophy and cancer cachexia
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 ID | NIH-11073437 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are experiencing muscle wasting or cachexia.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not experiencing muscle atrophy may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macleod, Kay F — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Macleod, Kay F
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 below.