Understanding how cancer cells adapt when their recycling process is blocked
Official title: Tracking the Mechanisms of Adaptation to Autophagy Inhibition
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-10685861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells learn to survive even when treatments are trying to stop them, by focusing on their recycling process, and it aims to find new ways to help make cancer treatments more effective for patients.
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, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,710,000 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2CA290705-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with malignant tumors who are experiencing or at risk of developing resistance to cancer therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-malignant conditions or those who are not currently undergoing cancer treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cancer cells develop resistance to treatments by studying their ability to adapt when their recycling process, known as autophagy, is inhibited. By observing the dynamic interactions and rapid adaptations of cancer cells under stress, the research aims to uncover the complex mechanisms that allow some cells to survive despite treatment. The approach includes developing novel tools and model systems to track these adaptations in real-time, providing insights into the metabolic and genetic changes that occur. This could lead to a better understanding of how to overcome drug resistance in cancer therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying new strategies to combat drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding metabolic adaptations in cancer cells can lead to breakthroughs in treatment strategies, suggesting that this approach has the potential for success.
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.