Blocking a protein that helps some KRAS‑mutant colorectal cancers survive
Assessment of strategies for targeting transcriptional co-activators in colorectal cancer
Looking for ways to block a protein called PGC‑1β that helps KRAS‑mutant colorectal tumors stay alive, to help people with those cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will look inside tumor cells to find how the coactivator PGC‑1β helps KRAS‑mutant colorectal cancers survive by mapping the proteins it binds and the genes it turns on. They will use lab methods like immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and CRISPR gene editing to identify partners such as ERRα and HCF2 and to disrupt those interactions. The team will measure how changing these interactions affects gene activity and cancer cell survival in cell models and other laboratory systems. The goal is to reveal specific molecular links that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer whose tumors carry KRAS mutations and who can provide tumor tissue or be seen at the research center are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without KRAS‑mutant colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not overexpress PGC‑1β are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted ways to slow or stop growth of KRAS‑mutant colorectal tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting transcriptional coactivators and their protein‑protein interactions is relatively new and mostly experimental, with encouraging preclinical results but limited clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Kurt — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Kurt
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.