Investigating the role of glutamine synthetase in liver cancer driven by beta-catenin
Glutamine synthetase in beta-catenin driven hepatocellular carcinoma
This study is looking at how a protein called glutamine synthetase helps liver cancer cells grow, especially when there aren't many nutrients available, and it aims to find new ways to treat this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099891 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how glutamine synthetase (GS) contributes to the growth of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is often driven by the beta-catenin pathway. The study examines how GS helps cancer cells survive and grow in environments where nutrients are limited, such as poorly vascularized tumors. By using specific mouse models, researchers will explore the effects of altering GS levels on tumor growth and the underlying mechanisms involved. This could lead to new insights into cancer metabolism and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with elevated beta-catenin activity.
Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer types not driven by beta-catenin or those without significant metabolic alterations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that target glutamine metabolism in liver cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that targeting metabolic pathways in cancer can yield promising results, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in hepatocellular carcinoma.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zong, Wei-Xing — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zong, Wei-Xing
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.