Investigating a new target for cancer treatment in tumors lacking a specific gene.

The function of the PRMT5 methylosome in MTAP deleted cancers

NIH-funded research Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10653849

This study is looking at how missing a specific gene called MTAP affects certain tough cancers, like pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma, to find new treatments that can better target and kill cancer cells while causing fewer side effects for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBroad Institute, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-10653849 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how the deletion of the MTAP gene affects certain cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, and mesothelioma. The researchers have discovered that this deletion leads to the accumulation of a compound that inhibits a protein called PRMT5, which is crucial for the survival of these cancer cells. By exploring the interactions between PRMT5 and specific adaptor proteins, the team aims to develop targeted therapies that could selectively kill cancer cells lacking the MTAP gene. This approach could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for patients with these aggressive cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, or mesothelioma who have a confirmed deletion of the MTAP gene.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve MTAP deletion or those with other types of malignancies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted therapies for patients with cancers that have the MTAP deletion, improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: This research builds on previous findings that suggest targeting specific interactions in cancer cells can lead to effective therapies, indicating a promising avenue for treatment development.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, 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.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.