How a key cell signaling protein (ERK2) controls cancer cell behavior
Molecular and Cellular Dynamics in Mammalian Signal Transduction
Researchers are studying how the ERK2 protein changes shape and signal strength to control cancer cell behavior and responses to drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323871 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will look at how ERK2’s movements and shape changes turn the protein on or off and how that influences cancer cells’ reactions to drugs. In one project they will map the allosteric regulation of ERK2 to see how distant parts of the protein alter its activity. In the other project they will define how different levels of ERK signaling trigger distinct molecular and cellular outcomes. Work combines biochemical, structural, and cell-based experiments to link molecular events to cellular drug responses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers driven by the MAPK/ERK pathway—for example some melanomas and certain lung or colorectal cancers—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by ERK/MAPK signaling or those with non-cancer conditions are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal why some tumors resist MAPK-pathway drugs and point to new ways to improve targeted cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting the MAPK/ERK pathway (like BRAF and MEK inhibitors) have shown clinical success, but the specific allosteric and threshold mechanisms for ERK2 explored here are newer and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Boulder, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado — Boulder, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahn, Natalie G. — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Ahn, Natalie G.
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.