NIH-funded research R01 grant

Improving mouse models to target cancer caused by mutant p53

Official title: Optimizing Syngeneic Mouse Models to Target Mutant p53

Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11043246 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at ways to improve mouse models of cancer caused by changes in the p53 gene, which is important for stopping tumors, to help us understand how these changes lead to cancer and to test new treatments that might fix the gene, especially for patients with conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startApril 17, 2023
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$596,803
NIH project number5R01CA278089-03
Project IDNIH-11043246 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome or other cancers associated with p53 mutations.

Less likely to help

Patients without p53 mutations or those with cancers unrelated to p53 may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing mouse models that mimic human cancers associated with mutations in the p53 gene, which is crucial for preventing tumor formation. By optimizing these models, the research aims to better understand how mutant p53 contributes to cancer and to test new therapies designed to restore its normal function. The approach involves using various types of mouse models to evaluate the effectiveness of small molecules that can reactivate mutant p53, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments. Patients with specific genetic backgrounds, such as those with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, may benefit from the insights gained through this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that effectively target cancers driven by mutant p53, improving outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting mutant p53, but this specific approach using optimized syngeneic mouse models is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Li, Yong — Baylor College of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Li, Yong

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.