Tracking how cancer cells adapt when autophagy is blocked
Official title: Tracking the Mechanisms of Adaptation to Autophagy Inhibition
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11457484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how cancer cells change and survive when a key recycling process called autophagy is blocked, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent resistance to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,140,000 |
| NIH project number | 4DP2CA290705-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11457484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancer whose tumors rely on autophagy or related metabolic pathways and could benefit from therapies that block autophagy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not depend on autophagy or would not be affected by changes in metabolic adaptation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cancer cells rewire their metabolism and signaling in real time as autophagy is inhibited. Researchers will develop new tools and model systems to watch rapid changes in metabolism, epigenetics, and gene expression as cells adapt. The work aims to capture the dynamic sequence of events that leads to resistance, rather than only studying end results after adaptation has occurred. By observing the process as it happens, the project seeks to identify new vulnerabilities that could be targeted to prevent or overcome resistance in cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to prevent or delay resistance to cancer treatments, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Past work shows that cancer cells can rapidly adapt metabolically, but this project is among the first to track this adaptation in real time.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Towers, Christina G — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Towers, Christina G
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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.