Lineage changes in cancer cells drive resistance to radiation and hormone therapy
Official title: Lineage Plasticity, due to Disruption of MnSOD Biology, drives resistance to Ionizing Radiation / Androgen Deprivation Therapy
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11540492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused study looks at how a mitochondrial enzyme modification may cause tumor cells to resist radiation and hormone therapy in prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 9, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $252,603 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA257148-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11540492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with prostate cancer whose tumors may harbor MnSOD-related resistance mechanisms or those undergoing radiation and/or enzalutamide therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors driven by MnSOD-related pathways or those not receiving radiation or enzalutamide may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project examines how changes in mitochondrial networks and the MnSOD enzyme, especially at the K68 position, may lead to higher ROS and signals that make cancer cells resistant to ionizing radiation and enzalutamide. The researchers will use cell models to explore MnSOD acetylation, ROS levels, and stemness markers like Oct4 and SOX2, aiming to link these to treatment resistance. They will also test whether a MnSOD-mimicking agent (GC4419) can reverse the resistant traits. The work builds on prior findings and seeks to map a metabolic pathway that influences tumor growth and survival under stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with prostate cancer could benefit from new strategies to overcome treatment resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked MnSOD acetylation to altered metabolism and treatment resistance, with ongoing exploration of MnSOD-based strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gius, David — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Gius, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular tests to predict long-term response to hormone therapy and radiation for prostate cancer
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Investigating how changes in mitochondrial function affect cancer resistance to treatments.
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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
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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.