Finding New Medicines for Cancers Linked to Polycomb Proteins
Discovery of small molecules targeting Polycomb repressive complexes 1 and 2
This project aims to find new small molecule drugs that can block specific proteins, called Polycomb repressive complexes, which play a role in many cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145254 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancers are caused by changes in how our genes are regulated, and this project focuses on two key regulators called Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2. These complexes help control which genes are turned on or off, and when they don't work correctly, they can contribute to cancer growth. Current treatments for some cancers, like certain B-cell lymphomas, target one part of this system, but they don't always work fully. This research seeks to discover new small molecule drugs that can more effectively target these Polycomb complexes, especially PRC1, to better stop cancer cells from growing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers driven by dysregulation of Polycomb repressive complexes, such as EZH2-mutant B-cell lymphomas and SMARCB1/INI1-mutant sarcomas, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to the activity of Polycomb repressive complexes would likely not receive direct benefit from therapies developed through this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, more effective drug treatments for various cancers, particularly those where existing therapies targeting Polycomb complexes have limited success.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs like Tazemetostat have shown success in targeting parts of this pathway for specific cancers, but this project aims to find novel inhibitors that address limitations of current treatments.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bell, Oliver — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Bell, Oliver
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.