Identifying key proteins in cancer that can be targeted with drugs

Discovering and Characterizing Druggable Cysteines in Cancer Dependency Proteins

['FUNDING_CAREER'] · SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE · NIH-11064864

This study is looking at special proteins in cancer cells that could be targeted by new treatments, and it aims to see how blocking one of these proteins, called TOE1, might help improve cancer care for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_CAREER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, THE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11064864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on discovering and characterizing specific proteins in cancer cells that have unique sites, known as cysteines, which can be targeted by new drugs. By using advanced techniques like Activity-Based Protein Profiling (ABPP) and base editing, the researchers aim to understand how these cysteines function and their role in cancer cell growth. The study will investigate the effects of inhibiting these proteins, particularly one called TOE1, to determine how it impacts cancer treatment. Patients may benefit from the development of new therapies that specifically target these proteins.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with various types of cancer who may benefit from targeted therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the specific proteins being studied may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new, more effective cancer therapies that specifically target vulnerable proteins in cancer cells.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar proteins in cancer, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: anti-cancer research, anti-cancer therapy, Cancer Biology

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.