How oxygen-linked changes switch on proteins that help brain tumors grow
Activation of protein kinases by proline hydroxylation
This project looks at whether an oxygen-dependent chemical change called proline hydroxylation turns on protein switches that allow brain tumor cells and cancer stem cells to survive and grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248353 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with tumor cells and laboratory models to see how adding or removing a small chemical tag (proline hydroxylation) affects key protein kinases that control cell growth. They will measure whether this tag helps those proteins activate themselves and influence the breakdown of molecules that normally keep tumor growth in check. The team will use molecular and biochemical techniques, and study brain tumor–relevant cell systems and samples to trace the chain of events from the chemical change to cell behavior. The goal is to map how this mechanism operates in brain tumors and cancer stem cells to find points that could be targeted by future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with brain tumors (for example, gliomas) who are willing to donate tumor tissue or participate in related translational research may be relevant candidates to engage with this work.
Not a fit: People without brain tumors or those seeking immediate treatment options are unlikely to gain direct, short-term benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drug targets that stop kinase-driven growth in brain tumors or help eliminate cancer stem cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies by this group and others have shown prolyl-hydroxylation can activate some kinases, but applying that knowledge to develop patient treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lasorella, Anna — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lasorella, Anna
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.