Developing new cancer drugs that target specific transporters in cancer cells
Official title: The Design and Study of Anticancer Therapeutics Inspired by Natural Substrates of LAT1
Funded at Georgia Southern University · NIH-10580214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new cancer drugs that are designed to specifically target cancer cells by using a special transporter called LAT1, which is often found in higher amounts in these cells, to help deliver the treatment more effectively while sparing healthy cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Southern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Statesboro, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $424,715 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA277652-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit high LAT1 expression and who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not overexpress LAT1 or those who are in advanced stages where treatment options are limited may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating new anticancer drugs that specifically target the large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1), which is often overexpressed in cancer cells. By designing drug compounds that can be effectively taken up by LAT1, the research aims to improve the selectivity of treatments for cancer cells while minimizing effects on healthy cells. The approach involves synthesizing novel 1,2,3-triazole-based amino acid chemotherapeutics that mimic natural LAT1 substrates, potentially leading to more effective cancer therapies. The goal is to enhance drug delivery and overcome common issues such as treatment resistance and poor drug uptake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting specific transporters for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aiken, Karelle — Georgia Southern University
- Study coordinator: Aiken, Karelle
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.