How UBE2J1 helps remove the androgen receptor in prostate cancer
Unveiling the Role of UBE2J1 as the E2 Ubiquitin Conjugating Enzyme in Androgen Receptor Degradation
This work looks at whether restoring a protein called UBE2J1 can help clear excess androgen receptor protein that makes some prostate cancers resist treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138613 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study tumor samples and laboratory models to confirm that the enzyme UBE2J1 tags the androgen receptor (AR) for disposal. They will compare tumors with and without UBE2J1 loss to see how that loss links to AR buildup and treatment resistance. In cells and animal models they will test ubiquitination-based AR degraders to restore AR breakdown and slow growth of resistant tumors. The team will use molecular analyses and preclinical efficacy studies to support future patient-directed approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with prostate cancer, particularly those with castration-resistant or treatment‑resistant tumors and evidence of high AR or loss of UBE2J1, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by the androgen receptor or whose tumors use different resistance routes are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that remove the AR protein and overcome resistance to current AR-targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Targeted protein‑degradation approaches (like PROTACs) have shown early clinical promise in prostate cancer, but using UBE2J1 specifically as the E2 enzyme is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mu, Ping — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Mu, Ping
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.