Investigating how RAF proteins regulate cancer cell growth
Official title: Base editing to elucidate RAF regulation and signaling
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10996320 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CRAF affects the growth of lung cancer with a specific mutation, hoping to find new ways to treat this type of cancer and help patients understand their condition better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $41,656 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA294870-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10996320 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with KRAS mutant lung cancer or other related cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not driven by KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of RAF kinases in the MAPK signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell growth and often overactive in cancers. The study aims to clarify how CRAF, a specific RAF protein, contributes to the growth of KRAS mutant lung cancer by using innovative techniques like base editing and bump-hole methodologies. By examining the interactions and functions of different RAF dimers, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new cancer treatments targeting CRAF. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how their cancer develops and potential new therapies that could arise from this knowledge.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with KRAS-driven cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting RAF proteins in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woods, James — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Woods, James
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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.