Understanding how lactate affects cancer cell metabolism and treatment
Official title: Mechanistically Dissecting Glycolysis Regulation by Lactate and Its Therapeutic Potential in Cancer
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10990521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called lactate affects the way cancer cells use energy and grow, with the hope of finding new ways to treat cancer that could help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA256505-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from novel metabolic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancer is not influenced by metabolic factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lactate in cancer cell metabolism, particularly how it influences the balance between energy production and growth in cancer cells. By examining how lactate enhances mitochondrial function and suppresses glucose use, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. The researchers will explore the potential of targeting lactate oxidation to improve cancer therapies, which could lead to more effective treatments for patients. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and assessments of therapeutic agents in animal models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer treatments that more effectively target cancer cell metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
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Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Xin — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Cai, Xin
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.