How mutant SPOP drives prostate and endometrial cancer
Dissecting neomorphic functions mediated by mutant-specific structures of SPOP
['FUNDING_R01'] · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · NIH-11333322
The project looks for unique shapes of mutant SPOP proteins to help create treatments for people with SPOP-mutant prostate or endometrial cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11333322 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will determine the three-dimensional structures of full-length SPOP proteins carrying cancer-associated mutations and compare them to the normal (wild-type) form. They will map how these mutant-specific surfaces change SPOP interactions and protein degradation in cells using biochemical and structural methods. Findings will be tested in cancer models to identify spots on mutant SPOP that could be targeted by drugs that spare the normal protein. The goal is to reveal mutation-specific vulnerabilities that could guide safer, more precise therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with prostate or endometrial tumors confirmed to carry SPOP mutations would be the most likely future candidates for therapies stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers lack SPOP mutations or whose disease is driven by different molecular changes are unlikely to benefit directly from SPOP-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable treatments that selectively hit cancer cells with SPOP mutations while reducing harm to normal cells.
How similar studies have performed: Mutant-specific targeting has worked for some other cancer genes (for example KRAS G12C and some mutant EGFR drugs), but applying this idea to SPOP is a newer and early-stage effort.
Where this research is happening
MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES
- ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL — MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MITTAG, TANJA — ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: MITTAG, TANJA
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.