Finding new drugs to slow liver cancer growth by targeting a specific protein

Identifying phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase inhibitors as a new class of purine antimetabolites

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11103677

This study is looking at a protein that helps liver cancer cells grow, and the researchers want to create new treatments that can block this protein to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11103677 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on a protein called phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase (PFAS), which is linked to the growth of liver cancer cells. The researchers aim to develop specific inhibitors that can block PFAS activity, potentially slowing down tumor growth and improving patient outcomes. By understanding how PFAS contributes to liver cancer progression, they hope to create new anti-cancer therapies that can be used in clinical settings. The study will involve validating these inhibitors through various biological assays and models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver cancer who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.

Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer who are not responsive to metabolic therapies or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve survival rates for liver cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic enzymes for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-cancer therapyCancer Cause
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.