How blocking MEK helps HPV tumors shrink
Mechanisms of Papillomavirus Tumor Regression by MEK Signaling Inhibition
This project looks at whether drugs that block the MEK pathway can shrink HPV-driven tumors by lowering virus-related gene activity for people with HPV-related warts, papillomas, precancers, or cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11292866 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how blocking a cell signaling pathway called MEK reduces the HPV genes (E6/E7) that drive tumor growth, mainly using a mouse papillomavirus model and lab-grown skin cells. They will treat infected animals with a MEK inhibitor like trametinib and watch for tumor shrinkage, changes in cell growth, and immune responses in the tissue. Researchers will measure viral gene activity, cell proliferation, and markers of immune signaling to understand why the tumors regress. The goal is to learn mechanisms that could guide new targeted antiviral or anti-tumor treatments for people with HPV-related disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HPV-related growths—such as genital warts, respiratory papillomas, precancerous lesions, or HPV-driven squamous cancers—would be the most likely candidates to donate tissue or join future treatment trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People without HPV-driven disease or whose tumors do not depend on MEK signaling are unlikely to benefit from MEK-focused therapies arising from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug approaches that specifically shrink HPV-related growths and reduce recurrences and long-term side effects compared with current nonspecific treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies and a mouse papillomavirus model have shown that MEK inhibitors can suppress HPV oncogenes and cause tumor regression, but this approach has not yet been proven effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Albuquerque, United States
- University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr — Albuquerque, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ozbun, Michelle a — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ozbun, Michelle a
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.