How the ASH1L gene helps prostate cancer spread to bone and evade the immune system
Determine the Role of Histone Methyltransferase ASH1L in Metastatic Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · NIH-11194264
This project will test whether targeting the ASH1L protein can stop prostate cancer from spreading to bone and help the immune system fight tumors in people with metastatic prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11194264 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team will use a newly developed genetically engineered mouse model and advanced single-cell transcriptomics to see how ASH1L changes cancer cells and nearby immune cells in the metastatic bone environment. They will combine these animal experiments with analysis of human tumor samples that show ASH1L amplification or overexpression. Researchers will track gene activity and immune-suppressing signals to map how ASH1L creates an environment that helps tumors grow and spread. The work aims to pinpoint molecular steps that could be targeted to reverse immune suppression and reduce metastasis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with metastatic prostate cancer—especially those with bone metastases or tumors that show high ASH1L levels—are the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage, localized prostate cancer or tumors that do not exhibit ASH1L overexpression may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that slow or prevent bone metastases and make immunotherapies more effective for metastatic prostate cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: ASH1L has been implicated in blood cancers previously, but applying ASH1L-focused approaches to solid tumor metastasis is largely novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHAO, DI — UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- Study coordinator: ZHAO, DI
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.
Conditions: Bone cancer metastatic, Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancers