Investigating how cancer cells alter their metabolism for growth and survival
BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application
This study is looking at how cancer cells change the way they use energy to grow and survive, and it’s testing a new way to target these changes to create better cancer treatments that are safer for healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jesse Brown VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11046341 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how cancer cells change their metabolism to support their growth and survival, particularly through the PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling pathway and the enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). The researchers have discovered that while HK2 is crucial for cancer cell metabolism, it can be safely deleted in adult mice without harmful effects. This approach aims to develop new cancer therapies that target these metabolic pathways while minimizing adverse effects on normal tissues. By leveraging advanced techniques, the study seeks to provide insights into effective cancer treatments that could improve patient outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with various types of cancer, particularly those with high glucose metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those who do not have elevated glucose metabolism in their tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer therapies that specifically target cancer cell metabolism, potentially improving survival rates and reducing side effects for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cancer metabolism, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hay, Nissim — Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hay, Nissim
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.