Exploring a new treatment target for acute myeloid leukemia
Official title: Discovery of a novel MDM2-tubulin signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in AML
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10991670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by looking at how a specific gene and a protein work together, and it’s testing a promising drug called VERU-111 that could help kill AML cells while being gentler on the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $484,366 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276135-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, particularly those with high levels of MDM2 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of leukemia or those who do not express high levels of MDM2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel signaling pathway involving the MDM2 oncogene and tubulin, aiming to develop targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The approach focuses on a specific inhibitor, VERU-111, which has shown promise in selectively killing AML cells with high MDM2 expression without activating p53, a common tumor suppressor. By understanding how MDM2 interacts with tubulin, the research seeks to create more effective and less toxic treatment options for patients suffering from AML. The study will involve laboratory experiments and potentially lead to clinical trials for new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less toxic treatments for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with targeted therapies in cancer treatment, making this approach promising but still relatively novel in the context of AML.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Muxiang — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Muxiang
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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.