Functional analysis of p53 variants that are not fully active
Official title: Functional Analysis of p53 Polymorphic Variants
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11365602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how specific p53 gene variants that still work somewhat could influence cancer risk, using findings to better understand why some people develop cancer earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2005 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $433,100 |
| NIH project number | 2R01CA102184-20A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11365602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with germline p53 variants who may have elevated cancer risk could benefit from insights and future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without p53-related cancer risk or those not carrying relevant variants may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores how certain germline p53 variants, which are not fully inactive, affect cancer development. Researchers use mouse models and human cell lines to see how these variants change gene activation and cancer risk over time. The work includes genome editing to introduce variants and to identify which genes fail to be properly regulated by p53 hypomorphs. Results so far point to a key role for the gene PADI4 in mediating p53-controlled responses. The project is extending these analyses to map how partially functional p53 could shape cancer susceptibility and inform targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify why some individuals with p53 variants develop cancer later or with different patterns, potentially guiding personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies with p53 variants have shown that even partial activity can influence cancer risk, supporting the translational potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Maureen E. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Maureen E.
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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.