Computer modeling to block mutation-driving enzymes in cancer
CORE C - COMPUTATIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY & BIOINFORMATICS
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11198652
This project uses computer models to help design ways to block enzymes (APOBEC3A/3B) that cause new mutations in cancer, aiming to help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11198652 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient view, scientists are building detailed 3‑dimensional computer models of the APOBEC enzymes that create mutations in tumor DNA so they can see how the enzymes work at the atomic level. They run molecular dynamics simulations to predict how these proteins move and where a drug might bind, then share those predictions with lab teams doing chemical and biological tests. The core combines modeling, biophysics, and bioinformatics to guide the development of molecules that could stop APOBEC activity. Work is coordinated with other project teams that perform structural biology, chemical biology, and cancer biology experiments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cancers known to show APOBEC-related mutational signatures or those who might join future clinical trials targeting APOBEC enzymes.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not driven by APOBEC mutagenesis or who need immediate standard-of-care therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this project now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to drugs that reduce new mutations in tumors, helping treatments work longer and lowering the chance of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: APOBEC-driven mutagenesis is a well-established finding in cancer, but directly blocking these enzymes is a new and largely experimental approach with limited clinical testing to date.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AMARO, ROMMIE E — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: AMARO, ROMMIE 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.