Tools to control redox balance in cancer cells to reveal metabolic vulnerabilities
Official title: Expanding the xenotopic toolbox for compartment-specific manipulation of redox stress in cancer
Funded at Scintillon Institute for Photobiology · NIH-11354493 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused research project is developing tissue- and organelle-specific tools to alter redox balance in cancer cells, helping doctors and patients understand how metabolism supports cancer growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scintillon Institute for Photobiology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $480,205 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA313483-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11354493 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers where redox metabolism plays a key role may benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits may not be available to patients during the early, basic-tool development phase.
What this research studies
This project aims to create xenotopic tools that can adjust redox coenzyme ratios in cancer cells in a precise way. By applying these tools in different cancer types and cell models, researchers can uncover how redox changes influence cancer development and progression. The findings could point to new therapeutic angles that target cancer metabolism while avoiding normal cells. The work emphasizes addressing gaps in how redox biology is studied, using clinically relevant models rather than traditional cell culture alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new metabolic targets to slow or stop cancer progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests that altering redox balance can impact cancer cell behavior, but precise, tissue- and organelle-specific tools are still needed.
Where this research is happening
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Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cracan, Valentin — Scintillon Institute for Photobiology
- Study coordinator: Cracan, Valentin
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.