Understanding how changes in metabolism affect nerve growth in breast tumors
Official title: Investigating the role of metabolic rewiring in breast tumor innervation
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-11082291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the way breast cancer cells use energy might affect the growth of nerve fibers in tumors, which could help the cancer spread, and it's designed for people interested in understanding more about how breast cancer works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $493,795 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA279722-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with early-stage or metastatic forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer-related conditions or those who are not diagnosed with any form of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolic changes in breast cancer cells influence the growth of nerve fibers within tumors, which is linked to the cancer's ability to spread. By examining the relationship between metabolic processes, such as aerobic glycolysis, and tumor innervation, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to breast cancer metastasis. The researchers will utilize advanced 3D modeling and cell culture techniques to simulate the tumor environment and assess how these metabolic alterations affect nerve growth and cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent the spread of breast cancer by targeting its metabolic processes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting metabolic rewiring to influence tumor innervation is relatively novel, there is existing literature suggesting that metabolic interventions can impact cancer progression.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Younghye — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Song, Younghye
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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.