Exploring how receptor tyrosine kinases signal in cancer to create new treatment strategies
Official title: Understanding biased agonism in receptor tyrosine kinases to devise new modalities for their targeting in cancer
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10746891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in cancer cells work differently when they connect with various signals, and by watching these interactions in real-time, researchers hope to find better ways to treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA256350-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10746891 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that involve receptor tyrosine kinases and may benefit from targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not involve receptor tyrosine kinases or who are not responsive to targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the signaling mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in cancer cells, focusing on how these receptors can behave differently depending on the activating ligands they bind. By using advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to observe the dynamics of RTK activation in real-time within living cells. The goal is to understand the specific signaling pathways that are activated by different ligands, which could lead to more targeted and effective cancer therapies. This approach seeks to move beyond traditional views of RTK signaling to uncover new therapeutic modalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more precise cancer treatments that target specific signaling pathways, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding RTK signaling dynamics, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mudumbi, Krishna Chaitanya — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Mudumbi, Krishna Chaitanya
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.