Investigating a new target for treating colorectal cancer
Official title: Mechanisms and Models of Testis Specific Serine Kinase 6: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Colorectal Cancer
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11058323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TSSK6 that is found in many colorectal cancer cases to see how it helps cancer grow and resist treatments, with the goal of finding new ways to stop tumors and help patients feel better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 4, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,826 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289534-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly those with high levels of TSSK6 expression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer who do not express TSSK6 or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Testis-Specific Serine Kinase 6 (TSSK6), a protein that is expressed in many colorectal cancer cases. The study aims to explore how TSSK6 contributes to cancer growth and resistance to treatments, using various laboratory techniques to manipulate its expression in cancer cells. By targeting TSSK6, the researchers hope to develop new therapeutic strategies that could inhibit tumor growth and improve patient outcomes. The approach involves both in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the effects of TSSK6 on cancer cell behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for colorectal cancer that specifically target TSSK6, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting cancer-testis antigens like TSSK6, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright
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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.