Developing targeted treatments for a deadly childhood cancer.
Official title: Proteasomal recruiters of PAX3-FOXO1 Designed via Sequence-Based Generative Models
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10826068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat a tough childhood cancer called fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma by creating special proteins that can target and break down a harmful protein linked to the disease, with the hope of developing better treatments that help kids fight this cancer while keeping their healthy cells safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $157,719 |
| NIH project number | 3U54CA231630-01A1S4 |
| Project ID | NIH-10826068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those without the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding new ways to treat fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-ARMS), a severe childhood cancer linked to the PAX3-FOXO1 protein. The team is using advanced algorithms to design specific peptides that can bind to and degrade this problematic protein, which is currently considered undruggable. By testing these peptides in laboratory models, the researchers aim to create effective therapies that could improve survival rates for affected children. If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that specifically target the cancer without harming normal cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for children with a currently fatal form of cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting undruggable proteins is a challenging area, recent advancements in peptide design have shown promise, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Linardic, Corinne Mary — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Linardic, Corinne Mary
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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.