Finding new drugs to slow liver cancer growth by targeting a specific protein
Official title: Identifying phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase inhibitors as a new class of purine antimetabolites
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11103677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $549,474 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA299056-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with liver cancer who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: French, Jarrod B — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: French, Jarrod B
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.