NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Investigating how fat cells affect prostate cancer spread to bones

Official title: ATF4-SCD axis in bone metastatic prostate cancer

Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-10912506 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how fat cells in the bone marrow affect prostate cancer that has spread to the bones, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients by understanding how these fat cells help cancer cells survive and resist treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$46,534
NIH project number5F31CA284576-02
Project IDNIH-10912506 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients with prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones.

Less likely to help

Patients with localized prostate cancer that has not spread to the bones may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of fat cells in the bone marrow and how they influence the survival and progression of prostate cancer that has spread to bones. The study examines the interactions between tumor cells and adipocytes, which are fat cells, to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to thrive and resist treatment. By analyzing how lipids from adipocytes affect cancer cell behavior, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the mechanisms by which prostate cancer spreads and survives in bone tissue.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Wayne State University
    Detroit, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wilson, Alexis Rylee — Wayne State University
  • Study coordinator: Wilson, Alexis Rylee

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.