Using an enzyme to lower L-serine levels for cancer treatment
Official title: Therapeutic enzyme depletion of L-serine for cancer treatment
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11060061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help treat certain types of breast cancer by using a special enzyme to lower levels of L-serine, a nutrient that tumors need to grow, making it easier for patients with luminal/ER+ breast tumors to fight their cancer without having to change their diets too much.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $605,654 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280737-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with luminal/ER+ breast cancer or other cancers that are dependent on L-serine for growth.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not rely on L-serine for growth or those who are not diagnosed with the specified types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a therapeutic enzyme to deplete L-serine, an essential nutrient for tumor growth, as a novel approach to cancer treatment. The study focuses on luminal/ER+ breast tumors, which cannot produce serine on their own and are therefore particularly susceptible to serine deprivation. By employing an engineered human serine dehydratase (eSDH), the research aims to significantly reduce circulating serine levels in the body without requiring drastic dietary changes. This method could potentially inhibit tumor growth more effectively than current dietary approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with certain types of cancer, particularly those with luminal/ER+ breast tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using enzyme therapies for cancer treatment, making this approach a potentially viable option.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stone, Everett — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Stone, Everett
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.