Understanding Cancer's Energy Needs
Mitochondrial Metabolism and Cancer
This project explores how cancer cells get the energy they need to grow, focusing on a key process called mitochondrial metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer cells change how they use energy to grow and spread, and this project aims to understand these critical alterations. We are looking into how a specific energy pathway, called the electron transport chain (ETC), is essential for tumors to start and progress. Our focus is on an enzyme named MDH2, which plays a vital role in the final steps of the cell's energy cycle and helps cancer cells create necessary building blocks. By uncovering the exact functions of MDH2 in tumor growth, we hope to find new ways to disrupt cancer's energy supply.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patients, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals with various types of cancer, particularly lung adenocarcinoma.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments would not directly benefit from this basic science project, as it is focused on fundamental biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target cancer cells' unique energy requirements, potentially slowing or stopping tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of metabolism in cancer is known, this specific focus on MDH2 and its precise functions in tumor growth represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandel, Navdeep S — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Chandel, Navdeep S
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.