Nature Cancer, Published online: 22 September 2026; doi:10.1038/s43018-026-01202-6Cancer cachexia is a common wasting syndrome in individuals with cancer that involves activation of PKA in white adipose tissue, but the mechanisms that control PKA activity are unclear. A study now identifies iron-activated MSRA as a regulator of PKA in cancer cachexia, which reduces oxidized PKA and thereby increases PKA activity.