Investigating how nutrient uptake affects tumor growth in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Official title: Project 3 - Filippakis
Funded at University of New England · NIH-11005039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain gene changes in people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) can lead to more nutrient absorption in cells, which might help tumors grow, and it aims to find ways to slow down this process to help manage tumors better for those living with TSC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New England NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Biddeford, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $228,025 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152330-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or those with unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), a genetic condition that leads to tumor growth in various organs. It examines how mutations in specific genes cause an increase in a cellular process called macropinocytosis, which helps cells absorb nutrients. The study aims to understand the role of tryptophan metabolism in this nutrient uptake and how inhibiting this process may reduce tumor growth in patients with TSC. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets for better management of TSC-related tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow down or prevent tumor growth in patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in tumor growth, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New England
Biddeford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Filippakis, Charilaos — University of New England
- Study coordinator: Filippakis, Charilaos
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Engineered protein materials to study wound healing and blood vessels
A researcher team at the University of New England is studying how the environment around a protein changes its behavior to better understand wound healing and blood vessel formation.
-
Central and Peripheral Mechanisms of Corneal Pain
This NIH grant explores how corneal pain arises and is processed, with the goal of better understanding and one day reducing corneal pain for patients.
-
HIV Tat and nerve pain in people with HIV: how immune pathways may drive HIV-related neuropathy
A patient-facing look at a grant studying how a protein from HIV (Tat) may trigger nerve pain in people with HIV through immune pathways, with findings that could lead to new treatments.
-
How disrupting sensory nerve signals affects tibial bone density
This NIH grant studies how cutting signals from sensory nerves near the shin bone may change bone mass to help prevent fractures.
-
Understanding why sex differences affect advanced knee osteoarthritis pain
Researchers are studying why men and women experience osteoarthritis pain differently, focusing on how pain changes from mid-stage to advanced stages and how biology in nerves may drive these differences.
-
How the immune system’s CD4+ T cells in women might prevent chemotherapy-related nerve pain
A study in mice explores whether female immune cells in nerve tissue can lessen pain from chemotherapy, with potential implications for preventing CIPN in women.
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.