Targeting mitochondrial weaknesses in colorectal cancer metabolism
A systems-metabolism approach to identify mitochondria-dependent vulnerabilities in colorectal cancer
This project looks for metabolic weak spots tied to mitochondria in colorectal cancer to help guide new treatments for people with KRAS-driven tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172291 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how oncogenic KRAS changes mitochondrial shape and metabolism in colorectal tumors that start in the gut and when they spread to the liver. They will use a systems-biology approach combining metabolic profiling, molecular studies, and comparisons across gut-like and liver-like environments. The goal is to find mitochondria-dependent vulnerabilities that allow fragmented mitochondria to support tumor growth. Findings could point to targets for drugs that specifically disrupt those metabolic adaptations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer—especially those whose tumors carry KRAS mutations or who have liver metastases—would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not driven by KRAS or that do not rely on mitochondrial metabolic pathways may not benefit directly from the discoveries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or treatment strategies that exploit mitochondrial metabolism to slow or stop colorectal cancer growth.
How similar studies have performed: Lab and preclinical studies have shown that targeting tumor metabolism and mitochondria can slow cancer growth, but translating these approaches into effective patient treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kashatus, David Francis — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kashatus, David Francis
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.