How ERG gene fusion and p53 loss work together in prostate cancer
Cooperativity of TMPRSS2-ERG fusion with p53 inactivation in prostate cancer pathogenesis
This project looks at how a common ERG gene fusion together with loss of the p53 tumor suppressor can drive prostate cancer in men whose tumors have these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers analyzed genetic data from more than 1,500 prostate tumor samples to see how the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and TP53 (p53) inactivation occur together in patients. They use genetically engineered mice that carry the ERG fusion and lack p53 to observe whether these combined changes speed up cancer development. At the molecular level the team studies proteins called LSD1 and CDK2 and how phosphorylation of LSD1 at T59 affects ERG activity and tumor growth. The goal is to identify molecular mechanisms that could point to new targets for future treatments or diagnostics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer whose tumors harbor the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and/or TP53 (p53) mutations, or men willing to donate tumor tissue or clinical data, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Men whose prostate cancer lacks ERG fusion and p53 inactivation, and people without prostate cancer, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal drug targets (such as CDK2 or LSD1) and lead to therapies or tests for men whose tumors have ERG fusion and p53 loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous analyses of human tumors and mouse models have linked TMPRSS2-ERG to prostate cancer and the investigators' prior work shows ERG plus p53 loss promotes tumors, while therapeutic targeting of CDK2/LSD1 remains an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Liewei — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Wang, Liewei
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.