Targeting the saccharopine pathway to stop cancer spread
Decoding and targeting saccharopine pathway in cancer metastasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11259496
This research tests whether blocking a mitochondrial pathway called saccharopine can help stop cancer from spreading in people with breast and other cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259496 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a mitochondrial enzyme called AASS and the saccharopine pathway to understand how they help tumor cells invade and spread. They use lab-grown cancer cells and animal models along with metabolic, genomic, and transcriptomic analyses to see what happens when AASS or steps in the pathway are blocked. The team has identified a metabolite called 2-aminoadipate (2-AAA) and links to redox control and genes like TXNDC5 and XBP1 as part of the mechanism. If these lab findings hold up, they could point to new ways to prevent metastasis and guide future clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cancers prone to metastasis—such as breast, lung, or head and neck cancers—who might be interested in contributing samples or joining future clinical trials based on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those with cancers unrelated to the saccharopine pathway are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to slow or prevent cancer metastasis and lead to therapies that reduce tumor spread.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies show mitochondrial metabolism can affect metastasis and metabolic targeting has had promising preclinical results, but targeting the saccharopine/AASS pathway is a newer, largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: KANG, SUMIN — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: KANG, SUMIN
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cancer Patient, Cancer Treatment, Cancer cell line, Cancers