Understanding how cancer cells use purine nucleotides for growth

Decoding the metabolic routes of purine nucleotides in cancer - Resubmission - 1

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11048060

This study is looking at how cancer cells make important building blocks they need to grow, and it aims to find better ways to treat cancer by understanding these processes better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048060 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the metabolic pathways that cancer cells use to produce purine nucleotides, which are essential for their growth and survival. By employing advanced techniques such as stable isotope infusions and metabolomics, the study aims to uncover how tumors regulate their purine levels through two main pathways: de novo synthesis and salvage. This understanding could lead to improved cancer therapies by targeting these metabolic routes more effectively. The research focuses on the intricate balance and flexibility of these pathways in cancer metabolism.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer, particularly those whose tumors are known to rely on purine metabolism.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose tumors do not significantly utilize purine metabolism may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that more effectively target cancer metabolism and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

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

Where this research is happening

Dallas, 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 anti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.