Investigating how certain proteins affect cancer treatment resistance

Defining the roles of PPARgamma and TGFbeta in regulating NECTIN4 and resistance to NECTIN4-targeting therapies

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-10873799

This study is looking at a protein called NECTIN4 that plays a role in bladder cancer, to see how it affects the success of a treatment called enfortumab vedotin, and it aims to find ways to make this treatment work better for patients by exploring how changes in diet and certain factors in the body can influence NECTIN4 levels.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-10873799 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of NECTIN4, a protein involved in bladder cancer, and how it interacts with therapies targeting it. The study aims to identify mechanisms that lead to resistance against a specific cancer treatment called enfortumab vedotin. By examining patient-derived xenografts and biopsy samples, the research will explore how modifying the expression of NECTIN4 can improve treatment effectiveness. Additionally, it will investigate the influence of certain transcription factors and dietary changes on NECTIN4 levels and treatment response.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic urothelial cancer who are receiving or considering treatment with NECTIN4-targeting therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with non-metastatic bladder cancer or those not eligible for NECTIN4-targeting therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with metastatic bladder cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting NECTIN4 in cancer therapies, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 Basic Cancer Research
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.