How Cyclin D–Cdk4/6 makes cancer cells divide
Project 1: Determine the mechanisms Cyclin D-Cdk4/6 uses to drive cell proliferation
This research aims to find how a protein complex called Cyclin D–Cdk4/6 pushes cells to divide, with the goal of helping people whose cancers rely on this pathway such as some breast cancers and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294266 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map all the proteins that Cyclin D–Cdk4/6 modifies in human cells using chemical-genetic tools and lab assays. They will use biochemistry and structural biology to pinpoint how Cyclin D docks onto the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Based on that detailed picture, the team will design a tool compound to block the docking interaction and test whether blocking it stops cells from progressing through the cell cycle. All work is done in the lab using cell-based experiments and purified proteins to guide future drug development for cancers with high Cdk4/6 activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to depend on Cdk4/6 activity—such as certain breast cancers, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or neuroblastoma—are the most likely to benefit or be eligible for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not rely on Cyclin D–Cdk4/6 signaling or those with non-cancer conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new therapies that stop tumor cells from dividing in cancers driven by Cyclin D–Cdk4/6.
How similar studies have performed: Existing Cdk4/6 enzyme inhibitors have had clinical success in some breast cancers, but directly blocking the Cyclin D–Rb docking interaction is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Skotheim, Jan M — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Skotheim, Jan M
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.