Understanding how fat metabolism affects leukemia stem cells in children
Official title: Metabolic regulation of oxidative phosphorylation in pediatric AML relapse
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10950387 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fats in our diet might help leukemia stem cells grow and survive, which could be important for understanding why acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can come back in children, and it involves testing in the lab and with animal models to see how a high-fat diet affects these cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $103,853 |
| NIH project number | 1K38CA282963-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950387 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those who have experienced relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for AML may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid metabolism in supporting energy production in leukemia stem cells, which are crucial for the relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children. By analyzing genetic data from pediatric AML patients, the study aims to uncover how fatty acids contribute to the growth and survival of these cancer cells. The researchers will conduct experiments both in the lab using leukemia cell lines and in animal models derived from pediatric patients to explore the effects of a high-fat diet on leukemia progression and energy metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target leukemia stem cells, potentially reducing relapse rates in pediatric AML patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zachman, Derek — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Zachman, Derek
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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.