How the EZH2 protein changes ribosomal RNA in prostate cancer
A non-canonical role for EZH2 in rRNA methtlation
Researchers want to see whether the protein EZH2 changes chemical tags on ribosomal RNA and helps tumors grow in men with prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112471 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is looking at how EZH2, a protein often high in cancers, binds to the ribosomal RNA methylation enzyme Fibrillarin (FBL) and changes chemical marks on rRNA. In the lab they will use cell models and molecular techniques to lower or raise EZH2 levels and measure effects on rRNA methylation and how ribosomes make proteins. They will link those molecular changes to tumor behavior and examine tumor samples and clinical data from prostate cancer patients to see if EZH2 and FBL levels match worse outcomes. The work combines basic lab experiments with analysis of human tumor samples to connect the biology to patient disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with prostate cancer who can provide tumor tissue or clinical data for research, or who are willing to join observational sample-collection efforts, would be the best match.
Not a fit: People without prostate cancer or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this primarily laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If true, this could point to new tests to identify more aggressive prostate cancers and reveal targets for new treatments.
How similar studies have performed: EZH2's role in changing histone marks and promoting cancer is well-established, but its direct control of rRNA methylation is a newer idea with limited prior direct evidence.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Qi — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Qi
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.