Blocking TRIM29 to prevent bladder cancer from becoming invasive
Mechanism and Therapeutic Targeting of TRIM29-mediated Invasion in Bladder Cancer
Researchers are working to block a protein called TRIM29 to help stop bladder cancer from becoming invasive and spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how TRIM29, a protein found at higher levels in some bladder tumors, helps cancer cells break away and invade other tissues. The team studies human tumor samples, engineered mouse models, and lab experiments with cells and 3-D models to map how TRIM29 controls structures like focal adhesions and signaling pathways including FAK/Src and beta-catenin. They also examine how TRIM29 affects protein ubiquitination, DNA repair, and innate immune pathways that can drive treatment resistance. The work aims to identify specific molecular steps that can be targeted with drugs to block invasive progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer or high-risk non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, especially those whose tumors show high TRIM29 activity, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without bladder cancer or patients whose tumors are driven by unrelated molecular mechanisms may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that prevent noninvasive tumors from progressing to deadly, metastatic bladder cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and mouse studies have shown TRIM29 drives tumor growth and therapy resistance, but targeting TRIM29 in patients is largely untested and remains at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palmbos, Phillip L — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Palmbos, Phillip L
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.