How different RAS proteins drive cancer growth
Official title: Isoform-specific signaling as a determinant of RAS-driven oncogenesis
Funded at Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med · NIH-11299047 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project focuses on targeting specific signaling routes used by different RAS proteins to help improve treatments for people with RAS-mutant cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethesda, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $348,834 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA255232-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11299047 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People whose tumors have RAS mutations (such as KRAS or HRAS) would be the most relevant candidates for future trials informed by this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RAS-mutated tumors or whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to benefit from these specific strategies.
What this research studies
Researchers are comparing how different RAS proteins (like KRAS and HRAS) turn on downstream pathways and how that affects drug responses. They use human cancer cell lines, CRISPR tools, biochemical assays, and drug combinations to test whether blocking RTK–SOS1/2–wild-type RAS signaling plus mutant RAS pathways limits tumor cell growth and resistance. Experiments include testing known inhibitors (for example KRASG12C drugs and the HRAS inhibitor tipifarnib) alone and in combination with MEK or PI3K inhibitors. The team aims to identify which RAS-mutant tumors are most likely to benefit from specific combination approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could point to combination therapies that overcome resistance and improve outcomes for people with RAS-mutant cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Some targeted agents (for example KRASG12C inhibitors and tipifarnib for HRAS) have shown clinical activity but often face resistance, so testing rational drug combinations is a logical next step.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
Bethesda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kortum, Robert — Henry M. Jackson Fdn for the Adv Mil/med
- Study coordinator: Kortum, Robert
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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.