Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
Official title: Nuclear Receptors In Cancer Cachexia
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11499527 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $200,604 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR088832-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11499527 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer experiencing or at risk of cachexia, or with muscle wasting conditions related to cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer or cachexia are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Cancer cachexia causes severe muscle wasting and early death in cancer patients, and there are no proven treatments yet. The project looks at how estrogen-related receptors in muscle affect muscle size and health, especially under cancer conditions. By using viral delivery to boost these receptors in muscle cells and testing receptor blockers, researchers aim to identify strategies to protect or restore muscle during cancer. If successful, this work could point toward new approaches to improve strength, energy, and quality of life for patients with cancer cachexia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Potentially new targets and therapies to prevent or reduce muscle wasting in cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests modulating these receptors can influence muscle size and metabolism in cell and animal models, supporting a promising but early approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Narkar, Vihang a — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Narkar, Vihang a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.