Understanding how certain proteins affect taste cell health
Not so sweet: Investigating the role of c-Kit in sweet cell homeostasis
This study is looking at how certain proteins affect taste cells and how cancer treatments might change your sense of taste, especially for people with advanced kidney cancer, to find ways to help improve taste issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins, known as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), in maintaining the health and function of taste receptor cells (TRCs). It focuses on how cancer treatments, particularly tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), can disrupt taste perception in patients, especially those with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and organoid models, the study aims to identify the mechanisms behind taste dysfunction and explore potential therapeutic strategies to mitigate these effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients, particularly those with metastatic renal cell carcinoma who are receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have taste dysfunction or are not undergoing treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of taste dysfunction in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that targeting off-target RTKs can influence cellular functions, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Piarowski, Christina M — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Piarowski, Christina M
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.