Understanding how to regulate and inhibit a key enzyme involved in cancer metabolism

Metabolic regulation and inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11054661

This study is looking at a special enzyme called ACLY that helps produce important substances for our body's metabolism, and the researchers want to find ways to block this enzyme to help treat cancer and metabolic disorders in patients who have high levels of ACLY.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11054661 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY), an enzyme that plays a crucial role in producing acetyl-CoA, which is vital for various metabolic processes. The team aims to explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate ACLY and to develop inhibitors that could be used in cancer therapy. By studying how ACLY functions and its modifications in cancer cells, the researchers hope to identify new treatment strategies for patients with metabolic disorders and cancers associated with elevated ACLY activity. The research involves biochemical analyses and biological models to test the effectiveness of these inhibitors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with metabolic disorders or specific cancers that exhibit elevated ACLY activity.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers or metabolic disorders that do not involve ACLY or its metabolic pathways may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer therapies that target metabolic pathways, potentially improving outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer therapy, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
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.