How a protein complex helps genetic messages leave cells in advanced prostate cancer
Function of the METTL3-NUP93 complex-mediated nuclear export of m6A-modified mRNAs in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
This project looks at whether blocking a protein complex that helps send genetic messages (mRNA) out of the cell nucleus can slow the growth and spread of castration‑resistant prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285441 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine tumor tissue and laboratory prostate cancer cells to study a protein complex called METTL3‑NUP93 that helps export m6A‑tagged mRNA from the nucleus. They will compare METTL3 and NUP93 levels in normal prostate tissue, primary tumors, and metastatic castration‑resistant prostate cancer using tissue staining. In lab-grown cancer cells they will disrupt the METTL3‑NUP93 interaction with targeted mutations and measure effects on cell growth and movement. Proteomics and molecular methods will track how changes in this complex affect mRNA export and cancer cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with castration‑resistant or metastatic prostate cancer, especially those willing to provide tumor tissue for research, would be the most relevant candidates for involvement or future trials.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those seeking an immediate therapeutic benefit should not expect direct help from this laboratory‑focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new molecular target for treatments aimed at slowing or stopping castration‑resistant prostate cancer progression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked METTL3 and nucleoporins to cancer, but studying their interaction in mRNA export specifically in castration‑resistant prostate cancer is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Kexin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Xu, Kexin
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.