Understanding how kidney sugar production affects kidney cancer growth

Defining the Role of Renal Gluconeogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11011251

This study is looking at how the kidneys make sugar and how that might help kidney cancer grow, especially when a protein called FGF-21 is involved, and it hopes to find new ways to treat cancer by understanding how obesity and diabetes affect this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11011251 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of the kidneys in producing glucose and how this process may contribute to the growth of renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer. The study focuses on the effects of a protein called FGF-21, which may enhance glucose production in the kidneys during starvation, potentially fueling tumor growth. By examining the mechanisms behind this process, the research aims to uncover how metabolic changes related to obesity and diabetes influence cancer progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies targeting kidney metabolism in cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, particularly those with a history of obesity or diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients with renal cell carcinoma who do not have metabolic conditions like obesity or diabetes may not benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that target kidney metabolism to slow down or stop the progression of renal cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of renal gluconeogenesis in cancer are not extensively studied, related research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic influences on tumor growth.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, 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.
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.