Understanding how TLR4 in mesenchymal cells affects muscle decline after cancer radiation in kids
Official title: Understanding the contribution of Toll-like receptor 4 activity in mesenchymal stromal cells to cancer treatment induced skeletal muscle decline and fibrosis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11445111 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at why radiation therapy used for pediatric cancers may cause long-term muscle weakness and scarring, focusing on a specific immune pathway in tissue-supporting cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,658 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA309759-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11445111 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable here; this is preclinical (mouse) work.
✕Less likely to help
This work may not directly benefit current pediatric patients until translational steps are taken.
What this research studies
The research uses a mouse model to study how radiation given to developing limbs impacts muscle strength, fiber size, and stem cell numbers. It will map changes in immune signals, especially Toll-like receptor 4, and how these changes relate to muscle decline and fibrosis after cancer treatment. The team plans to analyze tissue at several time points after radiation and use gene-expression data to understand the mechanism in a way that could inform future therapies. The goal is to identify targets that might prevent or lessen muscle deterioration in children who have undergone cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide the development of therapies to protect or restore muscle function after cancer radiation in pediatric patients.
How similar studies have gone: Similar studies in radiation biology and TLR4 signaling have shown immune pathways influence tissue healing and fibrosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chakkalakal, Joe — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Chakkalakal, Joe
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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.