How the protein YY1 helps advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer grow
The Role of YY1 in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
This research explores if targeting the protein YY1 can slow or stop growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190789 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying tumor samples and laboratory cancer cells to see how the protein YY1 turns on genes that boost sugar metabolism and fuel aggressive prostate cancer. They map where YY1 and a therapy-resistant androgen receptor form (AR-V7) bind DNA, measure which genes are switched on, and test what happens when YY1 or its partners are blocked. The team uses techniques like chromatin profiling, RNA sequencing, and protein interaction studies, and tests effects of blocking bromodomain proteins in cell models. The work aims to find molecular targets that could be turned into new treatments for men with resistant prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with advanced castration-resistant prostate cancer, especially those whose tumors show AR-V7 or high YY1 activity, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Men with early-stage, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer or those whose tumors lack YY1/AR-V7 activity are less likely to benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stop hormone-resistant prostate cancer by targeting YY1 or its interaction partners.
How similar studies have performed: Lab and animal studies targeting AR-V7, glycolysis, or bromodomain proteins have shown promise in slowing resistant prostate cancer, but these approaches are not yet proven as effective patient treatments.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Ling — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Cai, Ling
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.