Investigating how a specific protein affects oral cancer treatment resistance

Greatwall in replication stress/DNA damage responses and oral cancer resistance

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10761736

This study is looking at how a protein called Greatwall affects oral cancer cells that don't involve HPV, to find better ways to help these cells respond to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and it’s for anyone interested in improving outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10761736 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on oral cancer, particularly cases that do not involve HPV, which are known to have poor outcomes. It aims to understand how the Greatwall kinase protein influences the ability of cancer cells to survive and resist treatment, especially in response to DNA damage caused by chemotherapy and radiation. By studying the role of Greatwall in these processes, the researchers hope to identify new treatment strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies. The project involves both laboratory experiments and mouse models to test the effects of inhibiting Greatwall on cancer cell responses to treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with oral cancer, especially those whose tumors are HPV-negative.

Not a fit: Patients with oral cancer who are HPV-positive may not benefit from this research as it specifically targets mechanisms relevant to HPV-negative cases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with oral cancer, particularly those with HPV-negative tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar cellular mechanisms in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 anti-cancer therapycancer cellcancer drug resistance
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.