Understanding how a natural body process affects health and disease
Formation, metabolism and cell signaling actions of tryptophan catabolism-derived electrophiles
This research explores how the body breaks down a substance called tryptophan and how these breakdown products might affect conditions like cancer and heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127406 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies naturally break down a substance called tryptophan, mostly in the liver, but this process also plays a role in the brain, kidneys, and heart, and can influence our immune system, tumor growth, and even pregnancy. When this breakdown process, known as kynurenine metabolism, changes, it's often linked to conditions like aging, heart disease, organ damage, cancer, and issues with organ transplants. We've found new active molecules, like Kyn-CKA, that are created during this process and can change how our cells work. This work aims to understand how these molecules are formed and how they affect important cell signals and energy use, which could help us understand their role in various diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients living with or at risk for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, organ injury, and age-related health issues.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by altered tryptophan metabolism or the specific conditions mentioned would not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and potentially treat conditions like cancer, heart disease, and age-related issues by targeting these specific breakdown products.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds upon recent discoveries about these specific molecules, suggesting a novel and promising area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vitturi, Dario a — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Vitturi, Dario a
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.