Investigating how changes in mitochondrial function affect cancer resistance to treatments.
Lineage Plasticity, due to Disruption of MnSOD Biology, drives resistance to Ionizing Radiation / Androgen Deprivation Therapy
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 ID | NIH-11042247 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with prostate cancer who are experiencing resistance to ionizing radiation or androgen deprivation therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those not undergoing radiation or androgen deprivation therapy may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
San Antonio, United States
- 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
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.