Blocking the cancer driver MYC with engineered synthetic repressors
Direct Targeting of MYC in Cancer with Hyperstable Synthetic Transcriptional Repressors
Engineered synthetic molecules aim to block the cancer-causing MYC protein to help people with tumors driven by MYC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159560 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research is creating fully synthetic, protein-like molecules designed to bind DNA sites and stop the MYC protein from turning on cancer genes. Scientists chemically stabilize these molecules so they hold the right shape and stick tightly and specifically to their targets. The team tests these synthetic transcriptional repressors in cells and animal cancer models to see whether they block MYC-driven tumor behaviors. Successful leads would then be advanced toward safety testing and, eventually, trials in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose tumors show high MYC activity or are known to be MYC-driven would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by MYC, or who cannot receive peptide-like therapies, are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that slow or stop growth of cancers driven by MYC.
How similar studies have performed: Related engineered blockers have shown promise in laboratory cells and animal models, but this specific approach is novel and has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moellering, Raymond E — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Moellering, Raymond E
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.