Understanding how cancer cells use metabolism to promote tumor growth
Official title: Investigating the metabolic regulation of tumor desmoplasia
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11005387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in tumors change their energy use to help make collagen, which can make tumors grow and resist treatment, and it hopes to find new ways to help patients by improving cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 8, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA259224-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with solid tumors, particularly those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), who may experience desmoplastic responses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-solid tumors or those not exhibiting desmoplastic responses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) alter their metabolism to support the production of collagen, a key protein in the extracellular matrix that contributes to tumor growth and resistance to therapy. By focusing on the role of glutamine and proline in collagen synthesis, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow CAFs to thrive in nutrient-depleted environments typical of solid tumors. Patients may benefit from insights gained in this research, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for reducing tumor desmoplasia and improving treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting tumor growth and improving responses to cancer therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwörer, Simon — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Schwörer, Simon
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.