Blocking the METTL3/METTL14 RNA 'writer' with small-molecule drugs
Small molecules to target the RNA methyltransferase complex METTL3/METTL14
Searching for small-molecule drugs that shut off a cancer-linked RNA-modifying enzyme to help people with tumors driven by METTL3/METTL14.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are screening a large library of drug-like chemicals to find compounds that block the METTL3/METTL14 enzyme that adds m6A marks to RNA. They will prioritize molecules that inhibit overactive or mutant forms of the enzyme found in some cancers. Promising hits will be tested in biochemical assays and in cancer cell models to see whether they reduce m6A levels and slow tumor cell growth. Top candidates will be optimized for potency and safety as steps toward animal studies and, eventually, clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose tumors show METTL3/METTL14 hyperactivity or specific gain-of-function mutations—such as some leukemias and certain adenocarcinomas—would be the most likely candidates for future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by m6A RNA modification or METTL3/METTL14 abnormalities are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could produce a targeted cancer therapy that slows or stops tumors driven by abnormal METTL3/METTL14 activity.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical METTL3 inhibitor studies have shown anti-tumor activity in some models, making this a promising but still preclinical strategy.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nam, Yunsun — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nam, Yunsun
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.