Investigating how a protein complex affects the movement of RNA in advanced prostate cancer.
Official title: Function of the METTL3-NUP93 complex-mediated nuclear export of m6A-modified mRNAs in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11251381 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein complex helps move important messages in cells related to castration-resistant prostate cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients dealing with this tough form of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $412,955 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA279681-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251381 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with castration-resistant prostate cancer who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have castration-resistant disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein complex, METTL3-NUP93, in the movement of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) out of the nucleus in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). By examining how this complex interacts with cancer cells, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that contribute to the progression of this aggressive form of prostate cancer. The researchers will utilize various laboratory techniques, including proteomic studies and immunohistochemistry, to analyze the expression and function of these proteins in cancer cells. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients with CRPC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target the mechanisms driving advanced prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interaction of the METTL3-NUP93 complex in prostate cancer is novel, similar approaches have shown promise in other cancer types, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Kexin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Xu, Kexin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how aggressive cell states emerge in castration-resistant prostate cancer
A research project aims to uncover the hidden cell states that help prostate cancer resist standard therapy and how these states arise early in tumor development.
-
Enhancer RNA CYP11A1-eRNA in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Researchers are testing a new RNA-based target, CYP11A1-eRNA, to see if blocking it can hamper the growth of castration-resistant prostate cancer in the lab and animal models.
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Targeted Immunostimulatory Dual Drug Conjugates for Heterogeneous Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Researchers are testing a targeted therapy approach to help people with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer by boosting the immune system and delivering drugs directly to cancer cells.
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Androgen Receptor Action in Prostate Cancer that Stops Responding to Therapy
This grant supports research to understand why certain prostate cancers stop responding to AR-targeted therapies and to find new ways to target them.
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Hyperactive methylation in a hard-to-treat prostate cancer subtype
Researchers are studying a newly identified methylation-heavy group of advanced prostate cancer to understand its biology and find clues for better treatments.
-
Therapeutic Targeting of Lineage Plasticity in Advanced Prostate Cancer
A cancer research effort aimed at understanding and tackling how aggressive prostate cancers become resistant to standard AR-targeted therapies.
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.