How different RAS proteins drive cancer growth
Isoform-specific signaling as a determinant of RAS-driven oncogenesis
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 ID | NIH-11299047 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose tumors have RAS mutations (such as KRAS or HRAS) would be the most relevant candidates for future trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients without RAS-mutated tumors or whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to benefit from these specific strategies.
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 performed: 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
Bethesda, United States
- 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
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.