How the protein MLK2 helps tumors grow blood vessels
Mixed Lineage Kinase 2 (MLK2) in tumor angiogenesis
This project looks at whether blocking MLK2 can stop tumors from making the blood vessels they need, which could help people with solid cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247129 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on a protein called MLK2 that appears to drive blood vessel growth inside solid tumors. Researchers will use cell studies and mouse tumor models to see how low-oxygen conditions turn on MLK2 and how MLK2 controls a small RNA (miR-146a) and factors like VEGF that promote angiogenesis. Early lab results show removing MLK2 reduces endothelial cell growth and tumor blood vessel formation while raising miR-146a, which lowers angiogenic signals. The team at Brigham and Women's Hospital aims to clarify this pathway as a possible step toward new anti-angiogenesis treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors that rely on blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), such as many common cancers, would be the most likely candidates for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with blood cancers (like leukemia), tumors that do not depend on angiogenesis, or those needing immediate standard therapies may not benefit directly from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to treatments that slow tumor growth by cutting off the blood supply tumors need.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs that block VEGF and other angiogenesis pathways have helped some cancer patients, but targeting MLK2 is a newer approach shown mainly in animal and lab studies and not yet tested in people.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kant, Shashi — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kant, Shashi
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.