Disruption of a specific protein modification to treat synovial sarcoma
SUMOylation disruption is toxic for SS18-SSX-driven synovial sarcoma
This study is exploring a new way to treat synovial sarcoma, a type of cancer that usually affects younger people, by using a special drug called TAK-981 to target a process that helps the cancer grow, with the hope of damaging the cancer cells and reducing tumors in mice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10897929 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new treatment approach for synovial sarcoma, a type of cancer that often affects young patients. The focus is on disrupting a process called SUMOylation, which is activated by a mutation known as SS18-SSX that drives the cancer. By using a specific inhibitor, TAK-981, the researchers aim to induce DNA damage in cancer cells and shrink tumors in preclinical models. The study involves testing various mouse models to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this treatment strategy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, particularly those under the age of 30.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those whose synovial sarcoma does not express the SS18-SSX mutation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel targeted therapy for synovial sarcoma, improving survival rates and treatment options for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, as there are currently no effective targeted therapies for synovial sarcoma, making this research particularly significant.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Faber, Anthony Charles — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Faber, Anthony Charles
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.