APOBEC-driven mutations in cancer
APOBEC Mutagenesis in Cancer
This project tests new molecules and biological tools to block APOBEC enzymes that cause many cancer mutations, hoping to slow tumor evolution for people with cancers such as bladder, breast, cervical, head/neck, and lung.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map the structures and interacting partners of APOBEC enzymes to identify sites to target. They will design and optimize inhibitors and degraders, including small molecules, peptidomimetics, and nanobodies. Candidates will be tested in lab-grown cells, animal models, and compared with tumor samples to see whether blocking APOBEC lowers mutation rates and limits drug resistance. If promising, these leads could move toward combination therapies with existing cancer treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that commonly show APOBEC mutation patterns—especially bladder, breast, cervical, head/neck, or lung cancers—would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not show APOBEC-related mutation signatures or those needing immediate standard-of-care therapy may not gain direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking APOBEC activity could reduce new tumor mutations, slow development of drug resistance and metastasis, and improve responses to current cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown APOBEC enzymes drive many cancer mutations, but specific APOBEC inhibitors remain largely experimental and have not yet been proven effective in patients.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Reuben S — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Harris, Reuben S
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 below.