Blocking the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion that drives mucoepidermoid salivary gland cancer
Signaling and Targeting of CRTC1-MAML2 Fusion Oncoprotein in Salivary Gland Tumor
Researchers are developing ways to block a fusion protein that drives mucoepidermoid salivary gland cancer to create better treatments for patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), a salivary gland cancer caused by a CRTC1-MAML2 fusion protein. Researchers use patient tumor samples, human tumor cell models, and a genetically engineered mouse model that mimics human MEC to learn how the fusion protein promotes tumor growth and evades the immune system. They plan to disrupt the fusion protein's interaction with CREB and test drug-like inhibitors and immune-based strategies in preclinical models. The aim is to translate successful lab findings into new treatment options for patients with advanced MEC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with mucoepidermoid salivary gland carcinoma—especially those with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic disease and tumors known to carry the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion.
Not a fit: Patients without mucoepidermoid carcinoma or whose tumors lack the CRTC1-MAML2 fusion are unlikely to benefit directly from these specific targeted strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that specifically block the fusion protein and improve outcomes for patients with advanced mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including inducible knockdown in human xenografts and engineered mouse models, has shown tumor suppression when the fusion is inhibited, but no proven targeted therapy for this fusion is yet established in patients.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Lizi — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wu, Lizi
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.