How AKT proteins affect prostate cancer aggressiveness
Official title: The role of AKT isoform-preferred substrates in prostate cancer aggressiveness
Funded at Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp · NIH-11447529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how different AKT protein forms influence the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, aiming to find targeted approaches for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $130,125 |
| NIH project number | 1R56CA307233-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with prostate cancer, particularly those with PTEN loss or altered PI3K/AKT signaling, could benefit from future trials targeting specific AKT isoforms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer is not driven by PI3K/AKT signaling or who do not have PTEN loss may not benefit from targets identified in this study.
What this research studies
In this project, researchers will look at how PTEN loss changes PI3K/AKT signaling in prostate cancer and why certain AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, AKT3) may drive metastasis in different contexts. They will use a phosphoproteomics approach to identify which AKT substrates each isoform prefers and how this affects cancer progression in cells and animal models. The goal is to uncover isoform-specific targets that could lead to more effective, personalized treatments for patients with prostate cancer, especially when PTEN is lost. This work could help explain why broad PI3K/AKT inhibitors have limited success and point toward smarter drug combinations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide development of targeted therapies that block the most relevant AKT pathways in prostate cancer, potentially slowing metastasis and improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that selective targeting of AKT isoforms can have differential effects on cancer progression, supporting continued exploration in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gelman, Irwin H. — Roswell Park Cancer Institute Corp
- Study coordinator: Gelman, Irwin H.
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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.