Understanding how certain fatty acids cause a specific type of cell death
Official title: Elucidate the mechanisms of ferroptosis mediated by nonconjugated and conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11036168 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special way that cancer cells can die, called ferroptosis, and how certain healthy fats in our diet might help make this happen, with the hope of finding new treatments for cancer that could benefit patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 13, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $414,979 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AT013103-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11036168 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that may be sensitive to ferroptosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers are resistant to ferroptosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death influenced by iron and fatty acids. It focuses on how different types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly those with conjugated double bonds, can enhance this process in cancer cells. By examining the mechanisms behind this cell death, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could leverage ferroptosis to treat cancer. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new cancer treatments based on dietary components.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer therapies that utilize dietary fatty acids to induce cancer cell death.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using conjugated fatty acids to induce ferroptosis is relatively novel, there is growing evidence supporting the role of ferroptosis in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Libin — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Xu, Libin
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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.