Investigating how ceramide affects energy production in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
Official title: Ceramide and Cell Metabolism: Defining the Role of Sphingolipids in Modulating Mitochondrial Bioenergetics of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10990219 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a fat molecule called ceramide affects the energy production in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, with the goal of finding new ways to help treat patients by making these cancer cells die off more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $39,698 |
| NIH project number | 1F99CA294256-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990219 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not have chronic lymphocytic leukemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common type of adult leukemia, and explores how ceramide, a type of fat molecule, influences the energy production processes in CLL cells. The study aims to understand how ceramide can disrupt the metabolism of these cancer cells, particularly by targeting their mitochondrial function. By using advanced techniques to analyze cell metabolism, the researchers hope to identify new ways to induce cell death in CLL, potentially leading to more effective treatments for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer cells, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vass, Luke Remington — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Vass, Luke Remington
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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.