How a specific RNA affects prostate cancer treatment resistance
Official title: Regulation of Androgen Receptor by NXTAR Long non-coding RNA in Prostate Cancer and its Therapeutic Implications
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10974906 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special molecule called NXTAR can help control a protein that fuels prostate cancer growth, and it hopes to find new ways to boost NXTAR levels to slow down cancer, which could lead to better treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $549,357 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285526-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974906 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly those who have developed resistance to androgen receptor antagonists.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not resistant to current treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a long non-coding RNA called NXTAR in regulating the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cancer. It aims to understand how reinstating NXTAR can suppress AR expression and its variant, which are crucial for the growth of prostate cancer cells, especially in cases resistant to current treatments. The study employs molecular techniques to explore the interactions between NXTAR and AR, and tests the potential of a small molecule inhibitor to restore NXTAR levels, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Patients may benefit from insights into new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment outcomes for advanced prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting long non-coding RNAs for cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mahajan, Nupam P — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Mahajan, Nupam P
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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.