How the genes MYC and TAF2 work together to drive liver cancer
Cooperation of Co-Amplified Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Looks at whether blocking the interaction between the genes MYC and TAF2 can slow aggressive liver cancer, especially in people with NASH-related or MYC-amplified tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159524 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine tumor samples from people with hepatocellular carcinoma to measure MYC and TAF2 levels and link them to patient outcomes. In the lab they will use human liver cancer cells and mouse models to reduce TAF2 or disrupt its interaction with MYC and observe effects on tumor growth. They will also test how these changes influence response to immune-based therapies. The aim is to identify molecules or combinations that could be moved into future clinical testing for aggressive HCC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma—particularly those whose tumors show MYC and TAF2 co-amplification or those with NASH-related HCC—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without HCC, or with liver tumors that do not show MYC/TAF2 amplification, are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal a new drug target or combination that slows aggressive HCC and improves outcomes for patients with NASH-associated or MYC-driven tumors.
How similar studies have performed: MYC is a well-known driver of liver cancer but is difficult to target directly, and studying co-amplified partners like TAF2 is a newer approach that has not yet been widely tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarkar, Devanand — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Sarkar, Devanand
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.