How ERK/RSK cell signals control cancer growth and spread
Mitogenic and Oncogenic Regulation of ERK/RSK Signaling
This research examines how ERK and RSK signaling in cancer cells changes their growth, survival, movement, and resistance to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289435 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use lab-grown cancer cells and animal models to map how ERK/RSK signal strength, location, timing, and different ERK versions change tumor behavior. They combine biochemical tests, cell biology experiments, and genetic tools to identify which signaling features drive metastasis and therapy resistance. The team focuses on specific docking regions in ERK2 that direct different cell outcomes. The goal is to find molecular points that could be targeted to stop tumors from spreading or becoming drug-resistant.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Findings would be most relevant to patients with cancers involving Ras/ERK pathway alterations, such as tumors with RAS mutations.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors are driven by unrelated pathways may not receive direct benefits from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent metastasis and improve responses to cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown ERK signaling influences cancer behavior and some pathway inhibitors work clinically, but the focus on isoform-specific roles and docking domains is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blenis, John — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Blenis, John
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.