Mitochondrial changes in high-risk prostate cancer
Investigating mitochondrial dysfunction in high-risk prostate cancer
This project looks at changes in mitochondrial DNA and cell energy systems in men, especially African American men, with high‑risk prostate cancer to find markers that predict who will develop aggressive disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11302709 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze mitochondrial DNA and related energy-making genes from prostate tumor samples, comparing patients with high‑risk aggressive cancer to others. They will focus on patterns that are more common in African American men to better understand drivers of observed disparities. Laboratory tests will model how specific mitochondrial changes affect cancer cell behavior and response to anti-cancer drugs. The team aims to use these findings to develop biomarkers that could help doctors identify men who need earlier or more aggressive treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men diagnosed with high‑risk or aggressive prostate cancer, particularly African American men and those willing to provide tumor samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: Men with low‑risk prostate cancer, unrelated health issues, or who cannot provide samples or clinical follow-up are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to biomarkers that identify men at highest risk of aggressive prostate cancer, enabling earlier or more targeted treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked mitochondrial DNA changes to prostate cancer risk, but using them to predict aggressive outcomes and explain racial disparities is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papachristodoulou, Alexandros — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Papachristodoulou, Alexandros
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.