Developing medicines that target gene-regulating protein complexes in cancer
Chemical Probe Development for Epigenetic Complexes Enabled by Protein-Observed 19F NMR
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11260521
This project creates new chemical tools to hit proteins that control gene activity in cancer cells to help lead to better targeted cancer therapies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11260521 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will design and test small molecules and degraders that bind to protein complexes involved in controlling genes in cancer cells. They will use a special fluorine-based protein NMR method (protein-observed 19F NMR) to quickly find and measure how these molecules attach and change protein behavior. Structural biology and binding studies will map the interactions and dynamics of epigenetic reader proteins like PHD and bromodomains (for example BPTF and BRD4). The goal is to produce selective probes that clarify how these complexes work and to guide the creation of new cancer drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Although this is laboratory research with no current patient enrollment, people with cancers driven by epigenetic changes (for example tumors influenced by bromodomain or PHD protein activity) could eventually be candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients who need immediate standard treatment or whose tumors are not driven by epigenetic mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted cancer drugs that more precisely change gene regulation in tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches such as bromodomain inhibitors and PROTAC degraders have shown promise in laboratory and early clinical work, but turning new chemical probes into approved cancer treatments remains difficult.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: POMERANTZ, WILLIAM CHARLES KRAUSE — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: POMERANTZ, WILLIAM CHARLES KRAUSE
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.
Conditions: Cancers