How a specific protein helps cells survive radiation treatments

A Non-Canonical IRAK1 Signaling Pathway Triggered by Ionizing Radiation

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11179286

This research explores how a protein called IRAK1 helps cells survive radiation, which could lead to new ways to make cancer treatments more effective.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11179286 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project explores a newly discovered way that cells respond to radiation, focusing on a protein called IRAK1. Normally, IRAK1 is known for its role in fighting infections, but scientists recently found it also helps cells survive after being exposed to radiation. This survival mechanism can unfortunately make cancer cells resistant to radiation therapy. We are working to understand this unique pathway, including how IRAK1 moves into the cell's control center (the nucleus) after radiation exposure, which is different from its usual behavior. By uncovering these details, we hope to find new targets for improving cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but could eventually benefit cancer patients undergoing or considering radiation therapy.

Not a fit: Patients not affected by cancers treated with radiation therapy or those not seeking new treatment options may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies to make radiation therapy more effective for cancer patients by overcoming treatment resistance.

How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent discoveries by the researchers themselves, identifying a novel pathway that diverges from previously known IRAK1 functions.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.