How PARP proteins affect prostate cancer
Parp Function in Prostate Cancer
This work looks at whether blocking or changing the PARP7/PARP9 pathway can alter how prostate cancer cells, including castration-resistant tumors, grow and respond to hormones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284050 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers discovered a pathway in prostate cancer cells that connects the androgen receptor to a chain of PARP proteins (PARP7, PARP9) and Dtx3L, which changes proteins by adding ADP-ribose. They will map which proteins are modified by PARP7 in prostate cancer cells and use structure-function experiments to see how each component affects tumor behavior. The team will test these effects in cell models and models of castration-resistant prostate cancer to see if PARP7 is a target that could be acted on. Findings may guide future efforts to develop therapies or biomarkers for advanced prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer—especially those with advanced or castration-resistant disease—would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future clinical follow-up related to this work.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from these laboratory-focused investigations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets or biomarkers that lead to better treatments for advanced or castration-resistant prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Existing PARP inhibitors have helped some prostate cancers with DNA repair defects, but targeting the PARP7/PARP9 ADP-ribosylation pathway is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paschal, Bryce — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Paschal, Bryce
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.