Investigating how a specific protein variant promotes kidney cancer growth
Official title: Pro-tumorigenic roles of a VHL isoform in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Notre Dame · NIH-10813138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific gene change in kidney cancer that might actually help tumors grow, and it aims to understand how this change affects cancer cells so that new treatment options can be developed for people with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Notre Dame NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Notre Dame, United States) |
| Project start | March 21, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $78,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA273598-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10813138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those without renal cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common type of kidney cancer that often lacks effective treatment options due to its unique genetic characteristics. The study aims to explore the role of a specific variant of the VHL gene, known as pVHL172, which has been found to promote tumor growth rather than suppress it. Researchers will investigate how this variant influences cancer cell behavior through signaling mechanisms, particularly by studying the role of extracellular vesicles released by tumor cells. By understanding these processes, the research hopes to identify new therapeutic targets for ccRCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting specific molecular pathways in kidney cancer, suggesting that this approach could also yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'souza-Schorey, Crislyn — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: D'souza-Schorey, Crislyn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how kidney cancer spreads to bone and how to fight it
A patient-focused look at how clear cell renal cell carcinoma spreads to bone and how new treatments might help people with advanced disease.
-
Improve precision medicine for kidney cancer in people of African descent
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-
Engineering immunogenic cell death to boost melanoma and kidney cancer therapy
This grant supports research aimed at making melanoma and kidney cancer cells die in a way that triggers a stronger immune response in patients.
-
Prognostic test to predict metastasis in clear cell kidney cancer
A new 12-marker biomarker test for people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma may help doctors predict which patients are at higher risk of metastasis.
-
Defining metabolic targets in kidney cancer for new treatments
A cancer-focused project is exploring how kidney cancer uses metabolism so doctors can find new, targeted ways to treat it.
-
Targeting HIF2 in kidney cancer: a new approach for clear cell RCC
A kidney cancer research program tests whether blocking HIF2 can slow or stop tumors in people with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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.