Investigating how MED31 affects cancer cell growth in advanced prostate cancer
Official title: Targeting MED31-driven transcription recycling in lethal prostate cancer
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10861902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called MED31 to see how it affects the growth of tough-to-treat prostate cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $516,712 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275922-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10861902 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 have not responded well to current androgen receptor-targeting treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who have not developed castration resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of MED31 in the growth of lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). It aims to uncover new mechanisms that drive cancer progression by studying how MED31 influences the recycling of RNA polymerase II, a critical process for gene transcription in cancer cells. By using advanced laboratory techniques, including in vitro assays, the researchers will explore how targeting MED31 could lead to new treatment options for patients with CRPC. The ultimate goal is to develop therapies that improve survival rates for patients suffering from this aggressive form of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with lethal prostate cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting transcription processes in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Qianben — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Qianben
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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.