Finding and targeting proteins shed by cancer cells
New protein-engineered tools and technologies for identifying, deorphanizing, and targeting shed proteins in cancer
This project is creating new lab tools to find proteins that cancer cells release and to make binders that can attach to or block them for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304489 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses advanced mass spectrometry and chemical labeling to map where proteins are cut and released from cancer cells and in human blood. They build engineered antibodies and protein binders that specifically recognize these shed protein pieces and test their effects in laboratory models. The plan includes profiling the secreted proteins (secretome) of cancer cell lines and human plasma and determining what receptors or partners these shed proteins bind to. The results are intended to point to new diagnostic markers or targets for therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancer or those able to donate blood/plasma for research—especially patients treated at or near UCSF—would be the most relevant candidates to provide samples.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or cure should not expect direct personal benefit because this is laboratory and biomarker discovery work rather than a clinical treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets for cancer tests or targeted treatments that block harmful signals from shed proteins.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier work from this team developed mass-spectrometry methods that identified thousands of new proteolytic events and produced antibodies that killed cancer cells, but applying these tools to shed proteins is a newer extension.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wells, James a — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Wells, James a
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.