Investigating how changes in mitochondrial function affect cancer resistance to treatments.
Official title: Lineage Plasticity, due to Disruption of MnSOD Biology, drives resistance to Ionizing Radiation / Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11042247 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a key protein in our cells might help cancer cells survive treatments like radiation and hormone therapy, and it hopes to find a way to make these treatments more effective for patients whose cancers are hard to treat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $383,789 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257148-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042247 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with prostate cancer who are experiencing resistance to ionizing radiation or androgen deprivation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not undergoing radiation or androgen deprivation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how disruptions in mitochondrial networks, which are crucial for normal cell metabolism, contribute to cancer cells' resistance to ionizing radiation and androgen deprivation therapy. By focusing on a specific protein, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the study aims to understand how alterations in its function can lead to increased levels of reactive oxygen species, promoting cancer cell survival and treatment resistance. The researchers will also examine whether a chemical agent can reverse these effects, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for patients with resistant cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with prostate cancer who are resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gius, David — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Gius, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Lineage changes in cancer cells drive resistance to radiation and hormone therapy
A cancer-focused study looks at how a mitochondrial enzyme modification may cause tumor cells to resist radiation and hormone therapy in prostate cancer.
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Molecular tests to predict long-term response to hormone therapy and radiation for prostate cancer
This project looks for molecular signs in tumor samples that could show which men with prostate cancer returning after surgery will benefit most from hormone therapy plus radiation.
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Identifying biomarkers to improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes after surgery.
This study is looking at how certain biological markers can help doctors figure out which men with prostate cancer, who have had surgery, will respond best to hormone therapy and radiation, so they can personalize treatments for better results.
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Using exercise to lower heart disease risk in men receiving hormone therapy for prostate cancer
This study is looking at how exercise can help men with prostate cancer who are receiving hormone therapy stay healthier and lower their chances of heart problems, by testing easy home workout programs that can improve their fitness and heart health.
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How hormone therapy affects blood pressure and kidney function in men
This study is looking at how hormone therapy for prostate cancer affects blood pressure and kidney health in men, aiming to find ways to help manage blood pressure better during treatment.
-
Effects of long-term hormone therapy on brain function in prostate cancer patients
This study is looking at how long-term hormone therapy for prostate cancer might affect thinking and memory skills in patients, with the hope of finding ways to improve their quality of life and treatment choices.
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.