Blocking cancer-driving APOBEC DNA-editing enzymes with new drugs
PROJECT 2 – CHEMICAL MODULATION OF DNA DEAMINASES IN CANCER
This project is developing molecules to stop APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B enzymes that cause mutations in many cancers, aiming to help people whose tumors evolve and become treatment-resistant.
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-11198649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing both nucleic-acid based inhibitors and small molecules that bind to or trigger destruction of the APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B enzymes that can create cancer-driving mutations. They will use structural biology, protein and biochemical assays, and computational chemistry to optimize these compounds in the lab. Labs supporting the project will test whether these compounds reduce new mutations and slow tumor evolution in cancer models. If the lab results are promising, the best compounds would move toward animal studies and, eventually, early human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that show APOBEC-signature mutations or tumors that have developed resistance to current therapies would be the most likely candidates for eventual clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are driven by other mutation processes or who have rapidly progressing disease with no time for experimental therapies may be less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these drugs could lower the rate of new mutations in tumors, slow development of drug resistance, and help existing cancer treatments remain effective longer.
How similar studies have performed: APOBEC enzymes are a well-established cause of mutations in cancer, but chemical inhibitors and degraders are a relatively new and experimental approach with limited prior clinical success.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harki, Daniel a — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Harki, Daniel a
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.