Understanding how cancer cells use nutrients to grow and resist treatment
Defining the role of macropinocytosis in solid tumor growth and therapeutic resistance
This study is looking at how bladder cancer cells grab nutrients from their surroundings when they can't get enough blood, and it hopes to find new ways to stop this process to improve cancer treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10817861 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how cancer cells, particularly in solid tumors like bladder cancer, utilize a process called macropinocytosis to absorb nutrients from their environment, especially when blood supply is compromised. By examining the mechanisms that drive this nutrient scavenging, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could disrupt this process. The researchers will explore the role of specific signaling pathways and the tumor microenvironment in facilitating macropinocytosis, which may lead to new strategies for enhancing cancer treatment effectiveness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with solid tumors, particularly bladder cancer, who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage cancers that are easily treatable or those without solid tumors may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with solid tumors by targeting their nutrient acquisition strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeting nutrient acquisition in cancer is being explored, this specific approach to selectively disrupt macropinocytosis in vivo is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edinger, Aimee L — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Edinger, Aimee L
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.