Investigating how SLFN12 protein dimerization can kill cancer cells
Official title: Activation of SLFN12 RNase Activity by Dimerization
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-10953962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called SLFN12 can help kill cancer cells that have high levels of both SLFN12 and another protein called PDE3A, and it aims to find new ways to boost SLFN12 to make cancer cells less able to survive, which could lead to a new treatment for cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,400 |
| NIH project number | 1R03CA293115-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10953962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that exhibit elevated levels of SLFN12 and PDE3A proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not express high levels of SLFN12 or PDE3A may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the dimerization of the SLFN12 protein can lead to the death of cancer cells that express high levels of both SLFN12 and PDE3A proteins. The researchers will explore whether increasing SLFN12 levels alone can induce the degradation of specific RNA molecules, which is crucial for cancer cell survival. They will also examine the effects of mutations on SLFN12's ability to function and test new methods to chemically induce SLFN12 dimerization. The ultimate aim is to develop a novel cancer treatment based on these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of a new class of cancer therapies that specifically target and kill cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting protein dimerization for cancer therapy is promising, this specific investigation into SLFN12 is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior research.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Greulich, Heidi — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Greulich, Heidi
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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.