GRK3-HDAC2 epigenetic pathway in aggressive prostate cancer and immune evasion
Official title: The role of GRK3-HDAC2 epigenetic pathway in neuroendocrine prostate cancer and immune evasion
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11426413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how a specific brain-like epigenetic switch may drive aggressive prostate cancer and help tumors hide from the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to treat patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 9, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $514,864 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA315906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11426413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with prostate cancer, especially those at risk for or with NEPC features, may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients with non-NEPC prostate cancer or those not expressing the GRK3-HDAC2 axis may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Prostate cancer can become resistant to standard hormone therapies, and a deadly NEPC form often arises. The project focuses on GRK3 and HDAC2, two epigenetic players, to understand how they promote NEPC features, blood vessel growth, and immune system evasion. Using patient-derived data and laboratory models, researchers will map how this GRK3-HDAC2 axis connects different cancer traits and identify potential drug targets. The study aims to translate these findings into therapies that could benefit men with NEPC by stopping progression and improving responses to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that curb NEPC growth and help the immune system recognize and attack prostate cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has highlighted HDAC2 and GRK3 as contributors to NEPC and immune evasion, supporting this approach but detailed links are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Wenliang — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Li, Wenliang
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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.