Cooperation of co-amplified genes in liver cancer (HCC)
Official title: Cooperation of Co-Amplified Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11395185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant funds research to understand how two amplified genes, MYC and TAF2, work together to drive liver cancer and to find better treatment strategies for patients with this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | August 8, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,389 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA275740-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those whose tumors show MYC and/or TAF2 amplification or related molecular changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not involve MYC/TAF2 pathways or who are not candidates for experimental therapies may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University will study how MYC and TAF2 cooperate to promote hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients whose cancer is linked to obesity-related liver disease. The project uses human cancer samples, cell lines, and mouse models to uncover how these genes interact and how they affect response to existing therapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors. By identifying cooperative drivers of aggressive HCC, the team aims to point toward new combinatorial treatments that could improve outcomes for patients with this disease. The work includes sequencing and functional studies to map gene interactions and potential targets for therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new combination treatments that improve survival for people with HCC, especially those with NASH-related cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show that MYC and TAF2 co-amplification drives aggressive HCC in models, suggesting this approach has translational potential but requires further validation in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Devanand — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Devanand
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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.