Blocking JAK2 to lower abnormal androgen receptor activity in prostate cancer
Pharmacological Jak2 inhibition to overcome androgen receptor aberrations in prostate cancer
This project tests whether newer JAK2-blocking drugs can lower harmful androgen receptor levels in men with castration‑resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306047 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
I will explore whether blocking a cell signal called JAK2-STAT5 can switch off the androgen receptor (AR) that drives castration‑resistant prostate cancer. The team will use prostate cancer cell models and mouse tumor (xenograft) models to see if new-generation JAK2 inhibitors reduce AR and AR splice variants that cause treatment resistance. They will measure AR mRNA and protein levels, and monitor tumor growth after treatment with these inhibitors. Promising preclinical results would support future clinical trials for men whose cancer no longer responds to current AR-targeted drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work would be most relevant to men with castration‑resistant prostate cancer whose tumors keep expressing full-length AR or AR splice variants after drugs like enzalutamide or abiraterone.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, tumors driven by non‑AR mechanisms, or those who cannot tolerate JAK2 inhibitors are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that overcome resistance to current androgen-targeted therapies in castration‑resistant prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data indicate JAK2-STAT5 activation increases AR and that blocking the pathway reduces AR in cell lines and animal models, but clinical benefit for patients remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nevalainen, Marja T — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Nevalainen, Marja T
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.