Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
Official title: Mitochondrial permeability transition in cancer cachexia
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11636110 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $307,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AR086883-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11636110 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cancer experiencing cachexia or significant muscle wasting who could participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer cachexia or without muscle wasting may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how mitochondrial permeability transition affects muscle loss and weakness in cancer cachexia. The team will use existing animal models to understand the links between energy production in muscle cells, neuromuscular signaling, and muscle atrophy. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to preserve muscle and improve quality of life for patients with cancer. Results could guide future therapies that slow muscle loss and potentially extend survival. The work is grounded in basic biology but aims to translate findings toward patient-focused strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new strategies to slow muscle wasting and improve strength and survival for people with cancer cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in related muscle-wasting conditions has shown that targeting mitochondrial pathways can influence muscle health, making this approach promising but not yet proven in cachexia.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hepple, Russell T — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Hepple, Russell T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
-
Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
-
Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
-
Stopping an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 to prevent cancer-related muscle loss
This work explores whether blocking an enzyme called Transglutaminase 2 can stop or reverse the severe muscle wasting that often affects people with pancreatic cancer.
-
How the liver's ketone production affects muscle loss and recovery in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether helping the liver make ketones can prevent muscle wasting and aid recovery for people with pancreatic cancer.
-
Antibody approaches to prevent weight and muscle loss in pancreatic cancer
Trying antibody-based therapies to stop or reduce muscle wasting and weight loss in people with pancreatic cancer.
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.