Targeting JAK/STAT-driven fat loss in cancer
Identifying the Cellular and Molecular Targets of JAK/STAT-Driven Adipose Wasting to Reverse Cancer Cachexia
This project aims to find ways to stop or reverse the fat and weight loss caused by cancer-related inflammation in people with advanced cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211088 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about research that looks at why people with advanced cancer lose fat and body weight. Scientists are studying signals in fat tissue—especially the JAK/STAT pathway and a cytokine called LIF—using mouse models and lab-grown fat cells. They use a lab assay to screen tumor-secreted factors that cause fat cells to break down and test interventions that block those signals. The team hopes to identify specific cellular and molecular targets that could be turned into treatments to halt adipose wasting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced cancer who are experiencing significant unintentional weight loss or documented cancer-associated fat wasting (cachexia) would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without cancer-associated wasting or whose weight loss is caused by other medical conditions are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that slow or reverse cancer-related fat and weight loss, which may improve survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Animal and preclinical studies have shown promise—blocking lipolysis and targeting JAK/STAT reduced fat wasting in mice—but clinical proof in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Infante, Rodney E — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Infante, Rodney E
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.