Understanding how breast cancer cells use glutamine to spread to bones

Elucidating Glutamine Metabolism in Breast to Bone Metastasis

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University · NIH-10994964

This study is looking at how breast cancer cells use a nutrient called glutamine to spread to bones and cause problems, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients avoid bone damage and improve treatment options.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10994964 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of glutamine metabolism in the spread of breast cancer to bones, a common and serious complication for many patients. The study focuses on how breast cancer cells that target bones utilize glutamine, a nutrient, to thrive and cause bone destruction. By using genetically modified mouse models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this process and explore potential therapeutic strategies to limit bone damage and tumor growth. The findings could lead to new treatments that target these metabolic pathways.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, particularly those experiencing bone metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer or those without bone involvement may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that reduce bone metastasis and improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Bone CancerBone cancer metastaticBreast CancerBreast Cancer Cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.