How PHD3 helps control the cancer protein c-MYC
Hydroxylation regulation of c-Myc
['FUNDING_R01'] · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11318095
Looking at whether a natural cell enzyme called PHD3 can reduce the activity of the cancer-linked protein c-MYC to slow tumor cell growth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PORTLAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11318095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how PHD3 binds to c-MYC and adds a chemical mark (proline hydroxylation) that may help the cell remove c-MYC. In lab-grown human cancer cells they lower PHD3 levels and see c-MYC rise, increased glycolysis, and faster cell proliferation, and they will map the exact chemical changes and binding partners involved. Experiments will include protein chemistry, molecular assays, and tests of cell growth under normal and low-oxygen conditions. The team aims to understand this control pathway well enough to point toward ways to lower c-MYC activity in tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to be driven by high c-MYC activity (for example certain aggressive tumors) would be the most relevant population for eventual therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by c-MYC or who need immediate standard-of-care treatment would be unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to lower c-MYC activity and slow or stop growth of c-MYC–driven cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown enzymes that modify or remove tags on c-MYC can change its levels, but linking PHD3-mediated hydroxylation to c-MYC regulation is a newer finding.
Where this research is happening
PORTLAND, UNITED STATES
- OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY — PORTLAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SEARS, ROSALIE C — OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: SEARS, ROSALIE C
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.