Understanding IDH Mutations in Cancers

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations as drivers of organelle stress and dysfunction

NIH-funded research San Diego State University · NIH-11083324

This work explores how specific changes in IDH proteins contribute to certain cancers, including brain tumors and leukemia.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSan Diego State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Diego, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083324 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our bodies have proteins called IDH1 and IDH2 that normally help with important cell processes. However, when these proteins have certain changes, or mutations, they can lead to the production of a harmful substance that promotes cancer growth. These IDH mutations are found in many lower-grade brain tumors, bone cancers, and a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. While some treatments already exist, we still need to learn more about how these mutated IDH proteins work. This research aims to uncover the key features of these disease-causing IDH mutations to better understand their role in cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers such as lower-grade gliomas, chondrosarcomas, or acute myeloid leukemia that are known to have IDH mutations might benefit from future treatments developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve IDH mutations are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective and targeted treatments for cancers driven by IDH mutations.

How similar studies have performed: While FDA-approved inhibitors for IDH-mutated cancers exist, this research delves into fundamental questions about how these mutations work, which are not yet fully understood.

Where this research is happening

San Diego, 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 Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.