# Assessing if tumor induced muscle cachexia is initiated by defects in Myosin Heavy Chain production and localization in a Drosophila tumor model

> **NIH NIH R16** · SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $171,250

## Abstract

PI: Mardelle Atkins
Commons ID: MRATKINS
Abstract: Assessing if tumor induced muscle cachexia is initiated by defects in Myosin
Heavy Chain production and localization in a Drosophila tumor model
Cachexia is a devastating cancer associated disease which affects millions each year
and yet is untreatable. Currently cachexia is defined in patients by rapid loss of >5% of
body weight with muscle weakness and an underlying chronic condition. Cachexia is
considered a late stage consequence of cancer. Here, we present preliminary data
acquired by undergraduate students using a Drosophila model of cancer cachexia.
Excitingly, we have identified stereotyped changes which occur in vivo early in tumor
development. In this study we will distinguish the origins of these phenotypes, assess
their contribution to cachexia progression, and investigate if the Hippo signaling
pathway is regulating early or late events in cachexia.We will leverage our expertise in
staining and imaging as well as new community tools which allow tissue specific genetic
manipulation to achieve our goals. These works, conducted by underrepresented
undergraduate researchers and master’s students will shed light on the unknown
etiology of cancer induced cachexia. Results of these, and future translational works,
are the foundation to developing earlier diagnostics permitting interventions to prevent
cachexic progression in patients. Through the course of this support the PI will establish
an independent research program which will illuminate the earliest steps of cachexic
changes in muscles and provide critical training and support to underrepresented
trainees.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10928229
- **Project number:** 5R16GM150753-02
- **Recipient organization:** SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Mardelle Renee Atkins
- **Activity code:** R16 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $171,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-15 → 2027-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10928229

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10928229, Assessing if tumor induced muscle cachexia is initiated by defects in Myosin Heavy Chain production and localization in a Drosophila tumor model (5R16GM150753-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10928229. Licensed CC0.

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