Tumor energy use and immune signals in different types of bladder cancer
Decoding tumor metabolic and immunologic interactions driving different biological subtypes in patients with bladder cancer.
Researchers are looking at how energy-producing parts of bladder tumors and immune signals differ across patient subtypes to help find better treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123921 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares tumor samples from bladder cancer patients using mass spectrometry and genome-wide gene analysis, and follows up with experiments in cell lines and preclinical models. The team has found differences in mitochondrial complex I activity that link to tumor aggressiveness and changes in glutamine-driven metabolism and fatty acid accumulation. They test whether blocking complex I or reducing the protein NDUFB8 alters tumor energy use, immune signaling, and tumor growth. Results may point to biomarkers or metabolic therapies tailored to specific bladder cancer subtypes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with bladder cancer, particularly those willing to provide tumor tissue for analysis or to join future clinical trials targeting tumor metabolism, would be the best fit.
Not a fit: People without bladder cancer or whose tumors do not show the specific mitochondrial and metabolic changes studied here are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new biomarkers and metabolism-targeting treatments that improve outcomes for people with certain bladder cancer subtypes.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that inhibiting mitochondrial complex I or reducing NDUFB8 can slow tumor growth, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Putluri, Nagireddy — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Putluri, Nagireddy
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.