How ubiquitin and phosphate tags control cancer cell behavior
Deciphering the physiological role and interplay between ubiquitination and phosphorylation pathways to guide targeted cancer therapies
This project looks at how two kinds of protein tags—ubiquitin and phosphate—and their interaction change cancer cells, aiming to reveal new drug targets for people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167578 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work explores how cancer cells change the proteins inside them by adding tags like ubiquitin or phosphate, focusing on two key protein systems (Cullin-based E3 ligases and mTOR). Researchers use lab models of cancer cells, biochemical and genetic methods, and analyses of protein modifications to see how tagging alters cell growth and survival. They also examine how alternative RNA splicing and other protein changes interact with these pathways to drive tumors. Results will be used to point toward specific molecular targets for future cancer therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers driven by abnormal protein tagging or signaling pathways, or those able to donate tumor samples for research, would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up clinical work.
Not a fit: People with non-cancer conditions or tumors caused by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new targeted drug targets or biomarkers to help match patients with more precise cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches such as mTOR inhibitors and drugs that alter protein degradation have helped some patients, but the specific interaction between ubiquitination and phosphorylation is still being clarified.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Wenyi — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wei, Wenyi
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.