ESCRT-based control of EGFR, EMT, and oral cancer growth
Official title: ESCRT-dependent novel regulatory mechanism of EMT and tumorigenesis in oral cancer
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11353804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to understand how a cellular trafficking system (ESCRT) controls EGFR signaling to influence EMT and tumor growth in oral cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $377,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030331-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma or related oral cancers; future therapies may target EGFR/ESCRT pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefits are not guaranteed; results may not translate to all patients or current treatments.
What this research studies
This project investigates how the ESCRT pathway regulates EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma. By manipulating CPAP levels in cancer cells, the researchers will see how EGFR presence on the cell surface affects EMT and tumor growth. The study uses lab experiments with oral cancer cells to uncover mechanisms that could be targeted by future therapies. If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent metastasis and chemo-resistance in oral cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targets or strategies to slow or stop oral cancer progression and spread.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows EGFR signaling and EMT are linked to oral cancer progression, but the specific ESCRT-regulated mechanism is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasu, Chenthamarakshan — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Vasu, Chenthamarakshan
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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.