How MDMX controls the p53 cancer-fighting pathway
Allosteric Regulation of MDMX by Protein Disorder
This work explores how flexible parts of the MDMX protein switch off the p53 tumor suppressor in cancers that overproduce MDMX.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247167 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map interactions between MDMX's ordered and disordered regions and proteins such as p53, MDM2, CK1α, and 14-3-3, focusing on two phosphorylation sites (S289, S367) that act as switches. They will use biochemical mapping, molecular and cell-based assays, and targeted perturbations to see how intra- and intermolecular contacts control p53 DNA binding and MDMX degradation. The team will test how changing these contacts affects p53 activity in cancer-relevant models. Findings are intended to identify molecular switching points that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with cancers known to overexpress MDMX or tumors that retain functional p53 and might benefit from p53-restoring strategies in the future.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack functional p53 or whose cancer is not related to MDMX overexpression would be unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new targets to restore p53 activity and lead to therapies for tumors driven by MDMX overexpression.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs that reactivate p53 by targeting MDM2 have shown promise, but targeting MDMX—especially via its disordered regions—is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Jiandong — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Chen, Jiandong
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.