Investigating how cancer cells manage damaged mitochondria to survive treatment
Official title: Secretory Mitophagy in Cancer Metabolic Reprogramming
Funded at George Mason University · NIH-11061617 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells get rid of damaged parts to survive tough treatments like chemotherapy, and by understanding this process, we hope to find better ways to fight cancer and improve treatment results for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Mason University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fairfax, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $30,288 |
| NIH project number | 3R21CA284201-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061617 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer who are undergoing or have undergone treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not diagnosed with breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores a process called secretory mitophagy, which helps cancer cells eliminate damaged mitochondria to survive under stress from treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. By studying how these cells adapt their metabolism and manage mitochondrial damage, the researchers aim to uncover new insights into cancer cell behavior. The approach involves analyzing extracellular vesicles shed by tumors to understand the state of mitochondria in cancer cells. This could lead to better strategies for targeting cancer cells and improving treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of mitophagy in cancer is established, the specific focus on secretory mitophagy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
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George Mason University
Fairfax, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howard, Marissa Ashton — George Mason University
- Study coordinator: Howard, Marissa Ashton
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.