Investigating how a protein called Connexin 43 controls cancer cell behavior
Official title: Connexin 43 Phosphorylation as a Regulatory Mechanism of Src Activity
Funded at Moravian University · NIH-10580186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Connexin 43 that helps cells talk to each other and can slow down cancer growth, and it's for anyone interested in new ways to treat cancer by targeting a specific enzyme that often goes haywire in cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Moravian University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bethlehem, United States) |
| Project start | February 2, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $409,139 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM148952-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10580186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with cancers characterized by overactive Src activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with Src activity or those without a diagnosis of malignancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Connexin 43 (Cx43), a protein that plays a crucial role in cell communication and is involved in regulating cancer cell growth. The study aims to understand how Cx43 interacts with a specific enzyme, Src, which is often overactive in cancer cells. By exploring the phosphorylation process of Cx43, the researchers hope to uncover how this protein can inhibit Src activity and potentially slow down cancer cell proliferation. The ultimate goal is to develop Cx43-based peptides that could serve as new treatments for cancer by targeting Src.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new cancer therapies that effectively inhibit tumor growth by targeting specific cellular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting Cx43 in relation to Src is novel, similar strategies targeting cell signaling pathways have shown promise in other cancer research.
Where this research is happening
-
Moravian University
Bethlehem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thevenin, Anastasia — Moravian University
- Study coordinator: Thevenin, Anastasia
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.