Targeting JAK/STAT-driven fat loss in cancer
Official title: Identifying the Cellular and Molecular Targets of JAK/STAT-Driven Adipose Wasting to Reverse Cancer Cachexia
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11211088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 22, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,888 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA266900-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11211088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with advanced cancer who are experiencing significant unintentional weight loss or documented cancer-associated fat wasting (cachexia) would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cancer-associated wasting or whose weight loss is caused by other medical conditions are unlikely to benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Infante, Rodney E — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Infante, Rodney E
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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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.
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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.
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.