How the SOX2 gene and 3D DNA shape drive squamous cancers
SOX2 acts in the 3D genome of squamous cancer
Researchers will map how the SOX2 gene and the three-dimensional folding of DNA promote squamous cancers to point toward new treatment targets for people with tumors of the skin, lung, esophagus, cervix, or upper digestive tract.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250133 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how SOX2 is switched on and controls other genes by studying the 3D folding of DNA that brings distant regulatory regions together. Scientists will use genomic mapping methods on tumor samples and laboratory models to find the enhancer regions and protein partners that loop to the SOX2 gene. They will test whether disrupting those loops or the interacting factors can block cancer cell growth. The team aims to identify more drug-friendly targets or biomarkers because SOX2 itself is hard to target directly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with squamous cell carcinomas (for example of the lung, esophagus, skin, cervix, or upper digestive tract), especially tumors known to overexpress SOX2, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non-squamous cancers or tumors that do not express SOX2 are unlikely to benefit directly from findings focused on SOX2-driven mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new drug targets or biomarkers that lead to more precise, less invasive treatments for patients with SOX2-driven squamous cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked SOX2 to squamous cancers but directly targeting SOX2 has been difficult, and studying 3D genome interactions is a newer approach with promising preclinical signals.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Xiaoyang — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Xiaoyang
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.