Investigating a new target for treating ovarian cancer
Official title: Targeting RHNO1 in Ovarian Cancer
Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10813210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called RHNO1 to see how it affects treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancer, with the goal of finding new drugs that can help patients respond better to chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $204,520 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273399-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10813210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those with recurrent or chemoresistant disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of ovarian cancer or those who are not experiencing recurrence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on high-grade serous ovarian cancer, the most common and deadly form of ovarian cancer. It aims to understand the role of a protein called RHNO1, which is involved in the cancer's response to DNA replication stress and chemotherapy resistance. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate RHNO1 in cancer cells, the researchers hope to develop new drugs that can effectively target this protein and improve treatment outcomes for patients. The study will also explore the effects of these potential therapies in live models of ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karpf, Adam R. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Karpf, Adam R.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding the experience of ovarian cancer after diagnosis to improve survivorship
This NIH grant funds a mixed-methods study to better understand physical and emotional challenges faced by ovarian cancer survivors and how supportive care can help them live better after diagnosis.
-
Targeting quiescent ovarian cancer cells to overcome chemotherapy resistance
A study focusing on why some ovarian cancer cells pause dividing and resist chemotherapy, with the goal of finding new treatment targets for relapsed disease.
-
Photodynamic lipids to boost chemotherapy for metastatic ovarian cancer
A patient-friendly approach tests a light-activated method to make ovarian cancer metastases more sensitive to chemotherapy.
-
Integrated framework to validate and quantify proteoforms in patient-derived ovarian cancer cells
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-
Overcoming platinum resistance in ovarian cancer: finding biomarkers and new targets
Researchers are looking for new biomarkers and targets to help prevent or overcome platinum resistance in high‑risk ovarian cancer so patients have better chances at long-term control.
-
Alternative NF-kB activation after chemotherapy in ovarian cancer
This grant studies how ovarian cancer might come back after chemotherapy by looking at specific signaling pathways in cancer cells and the tumor environment.
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.