Developing new small molecules to inhibit a key protein involved in cancer treatment
Discovery and development of Ku-targeted small molecule inhibitors: A novel mechanism of DNA-PK inhibition
This study is looking for new medicines that can help make cancer treatments work better by targeting a protein called Ku, which helps cancer cells repair their DNA; if successful, this could lead to more effective options for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10795863 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering and developing small molecule inhibitors that target the Ku protein, which plays a crucial role in the DNA damage response in cancer cells. By inhibiting the interaction between Ku and DNA, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies that induce DNA damage. The approach involves rigorous testing of these inhibitors to determine their ability to sensitize cancer cells to treatments that cause DNA double strand breaks. Patients may benefit from improved cancer treatment options that are more effective against their tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that are currently treated with therapies that induce DNA damage.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those whose cancers do not respond to DNA-damaging therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer therapy.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turchi, John J. — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Turchi, John J.
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.