Investigating how DIRAS3 affects cancer cell growth and response to treatments
DIRAS3 disrupts K-RAS clustering and signaling, enhancing autophagy and response to autophagy inhibition
This study is looking at how a natural protein called DIRAS3 can help fight certain cancers, like pancreatic and ovarian cancer, by blocking a harmful protein called KRAS that helps cancer cells grow, with the hope of finding better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of DIRAS3, a natural inhibitor of the KRAS protein, in various cancers such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and low-grade serous ovarian cancer. The study aims to explore how DIRAS3 disrupts the clustering and signaling of mutant KRAS, which is crucial for cancer cell growth. By examining the effects of DIRAS3 on cancer cells, the research seeks to enhance autophagy and improve responses to therapies that inhibit autophagy. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies targeting KRAS-driven cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or low-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by mutant KRAS or those without the specific conditions being studied may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating cancers driven by mutant KRAS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting KRAS signaling, but the specific approach involving DIRAS3 is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bast, Robert C — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Bast, Robert C
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 below.