Controlled cooling to reactivate mutant p53 in tumors
Anti-tumor potential of temperature-sensitive p53 mutants
This project tests whether temporarily cooling tumors can switch certain faulty p53 proteins back on to help kill cancer cells in people whose tumors carry temperature-sensitive p53 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284068 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Some cancers carry p53 mutations that make the p53 protein work only at lower temperatures. The team uses a method to induce sustained hypothermia in mice to turn these temperature-sensitive p53 mutants back on inside tumors and combines that with chemotherapy. Early mouse work showed tumor shrinkage and lasting remissions in some cases, so researchers are studying the underlying molecular mechanisms and how this could translate toward patients. The work also uses genetic tools to model specific p53 mutations and understand which tumors might respond.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people whose tumors have been sequenced and found to carry temperature-sensitive p53 point mutations and who can safely undergo controlled hypothermia and chemotherapy.
Not a fit: People whose tumors lack temperature-sensitive p53 mutations or who cannot tolerate cooling or chemotherapy are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could shrink or eliminate tumors in patients whose cancers carry temperature-sensitive p53 mutations, potentially leading to longer remissions.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse experiments by this team showed promising tumor regression and durable remissions in a subset of cases, but this approach has not yet been proven in people.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jiandong — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jiandong
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.