How some p53 gene changes help head and neck cancers spread and hide from the immune system
Official title: Functional roles of GOF TP53 mutations in metastasis and immunosuppression of head and neck cancers
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11300228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are looking at whether blocking a protein called MCM5 can stop p53‑mutant head and neck cancers from becoming unstable, spreading, and weakening the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $556,146 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE030875-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11300228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose tumors have TP53 mutations would be the most relevant candidates for eventual trials or sample contributions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without TP53‑mutant head and neck cancer or those with unrelated cancer types are unlikely to benefit from this specific line of research.
What this research studies
If you have head and neck cancer, this work focuses on tumors that carry mutant TP53 genes and how those changes drive chromosome instability, metastasis, and immune suppression. The team will study tumor cells and patient-derived samples and use laboratory models to see how mutant p53 interacts with MCM5 and activates a STING-related immune response. They will test whether targeting MCM5 reduces DNA instability, tumor spread, and the signals that turn down immune attack. Findings will be used to guide development of new targeted treatments for people with these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to targeted therapies that reduce spread and restore immune activity in p53‑mutant head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work links mutant p53 to aggressive tumor behavior and immune changes, but directly targeting MCM5 as a way to block these effects is a newer, largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Jeffrey Nicholas — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Myers, Jeffrey Nicholas
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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.