Finding new ways to target cancer by understanding cell signals
A new multi-pathway kinase activity assay applied to compound library screening in cancer biology
This project is developing a new laboratory method to find better anti-cancer drugs by looking at how signals work inside cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169029 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many cancers grow because certain signals inside cells, called kinase pathways, are not working correctly. While we have drugs that target these signals, we still need new and better options to overcome drug resistance and treat different types of cancer. This project is creating a new, faster way to measure these cell signals directly in the lab. This new method will help researchers test many potential anti-cancer drugs more quickly and effectively, first in standard lab dishes and then in more complex 3D cell models that better mimic real tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory work is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit future patients with various types of cancer by identifying new drug candidates.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing treatment would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research, as it focuses on drug discovery methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this new method could speed up the discovery of more effective anti-cancer drugs, leading to better treatment options for patients in the future.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting kinase activity has been a successful strategy in cancer, this project introduces a novel, high-throughput method to improve upon existing, less efficient measurement techniques.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Tian — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Tian
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.