YRDC's role in liver cancer growth and metabolism

Regulation of one-carbon metabolism and purine synthesis by YRDC in hepatocellular carcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-11251304

This project looks at whether lowering YRDC activity can slow hepatocellular carcinoma by cutting off the building blocks cancer cells need.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11251304 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers are studying how the protein YRDC affects metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. They will use lab models and metabolic methods such as metabolomics and isotope tracing to track one-carbon metabolism and purine production. The team will reduce YRDC levels in cancer cells to see if that limits tumor growth or changes response to chemotherapy. Results may point to ways to target YRDC or related pathways in future treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who are willing to donate tumor tissue, blood samples, medical records, or join future clinical trials would be most relevant.

Not a fit: People without liver cancer or those whose tumors are driven by unrelated mechanisms may not see direct benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that slow or stop liver tumor growth by targeting cancer cell metabolism.

How similar studies have performed: Targeting cancer metabolism has shown promise in other cancers, but YRDC itself is a novel target with limited prior clinical testing.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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.
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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.