Creating new molecules to target and cleave specific proteins for cancer treatment
Official title: Development of Caspase Cleavage Targeting Chimeras (CACTACs) for Targeted Protein Cleavage
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10992667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to make cancer treatments work better by creating special compounds that can target and break down proteins that help cancer cells survive, which could lead to more effective therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $166,792 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are driven by proteins like Bcl-xL, which are targeted by the CACTACs being developed.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with the targeted proteins or those who are not responsive to caspase-mediated therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative compounds called caspase cleavage targeting chimeras (CACTACs) that can selectively cleave proteins involved in cancer cell survival. By utilizing a natural product, piperlongumine, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies by targeting specific proteins that promote cancer cell growth. The study employs advanced technologies to identify the caspases involved in this process and to design new CACTACs that can effectively trigger cell death in cancer cells. Patients may benefit from more effective cancer treatments that specifically target the proteins that help tumors survive.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that specifically target and eliminate cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise with similar approaches using targeted protein degradation strategies, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lyu, Dongwen — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Lyu, Dongwen
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.