Blocking PRMT5 in cancers that lose the MTAP gene
Regulatory Pathways Compromised by PRMT5 Inhibition in Cancers with MTAP Loss
This project explores whether blocking a protein called PRMT5 can stop or weaken cancers that have lost the MTAP gene, including some hard-to-treat tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251961 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Yale are studying cancers that lack the MTAP gene to understand why those tumors can be sensitive to drugs that block PRMT5. They use large-scale CRISPR activation screens and cancer cell models to find genes and pathways that change how tumors respond to PRMT5 inhibition. The team is focusing on DNA damage response factors and potential new PRMT5 targets to see which changes let cancer cells survive PRMT5 blockade. Findings may point to biomarkers to select patients and suggest combination approaches to overcome resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related clinical trials would be people with solid tumors that have MTAP deletion, such as certain glioblastomas, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas, or esophageal cancers.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have MTAP loss or whose cancers are driven by unrelated pathways are less likely to benefit from PRMT5‑focused approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify which patients are most likely to benefit from PRMT5‑targeting drugs and suggest combination therapies to overcome resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical reports show some activity of PRMT5 inhibitors in patients with MTAP‑deleted tumors, but the mechanisms of response and resistance are still not well understood.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilson, Frederick H — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Wilson, Frederick H
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.