# The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway in metabolism and cell fate

> **NIH NIH R01** · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $331,578

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Cell fate is determined by a number of factors including genetics, cellular signals
and availability of nutrients. How cells process these numerous inputs to produce
a specific output, such as cell differentiation or proliferation remains poorly
understood. Our project will address how cells process these inputs following the
principle of “supply and demand.” During early T cell development, the synthesis
of a diverse repertoire of T cell receptors defines a robust immune system that
will allow recognition of various pathogens, while tolerant to self-peptides. The
synthesis of a diverse repertoire requires abundant nucleotides and hexosamines
for proper synthesis and folding. Our studies will elucidate how the de novo
hexosamine biosynthesis pathway reprogram metabolism via regulation of
mTOR signaling and pyrimidine metabolism to generate a diverse TCR
repertoire. As we gain better understanding of how these pathways are
reprogrammed to balance nutrient supply with cellular demand, we hope to
develop better strategies for dietary manipulation that can potentially enhance
the functions of the immune system.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10799084
- **Project number:** 2R01GM137493-05
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Estela Jacinto
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $331,578
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2020-04-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10799084

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10799084, The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway in metabolism and cell fate (2R01GM137493-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10799084. Licensed CC0.

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