Developing new drugs to target Skp2 in cancer treatment
Official title: Drug Development of Skp2 PROTACs in Cancer
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11085087 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of drug that targets a protein called Skp2, which is linked to the growth of certain cancers, especially prostate cancer that doesn't respond to hormones, to see if it can help shrink tumors and make other treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | May 31, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $643,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277682-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085087 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer or those who have developed resistance to androgen deprivation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not resistant to androgen therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new class of drugs called PROTACs that target the Skp2 protein, which plays a crucial role in the progression of certain cancers, particularly androgen-independent prostate cancer. By utilizing a novel approach, the researchers aim to enhance the degradation of Skp2, which is often overexpressed in metastatic cancer cells, thereby potentially improving treatment outcomes. The methodology involves creating compounds that can effectively degrade Skp2, which may lead to reduced cancer cell growth and increased sensitivity to existing therapies. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment strategy if it proves effective in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced prostate cancer that is resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be a viable and innovative strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Hong-Yu — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Li, Hong-Yu
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.