Investigating how specific protein interactions affect blood cancer development

Divergent Functions of ERK Substrate Binding Domains in Pathogenesis of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

NIH-funded research Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-10883645

This study is looking at a specific pathway in cancer to find new ways to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) by targeting certain protein interactions, which could lead to better treatments that help manage the disease without affecting all the good functions of the proteins involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionResearch Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10883645 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway, which is involved in many cancers, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The researchers aim to develop new treatment strategies that target specific protein interactions rather than the active sites of kinases, which have proven ineffective. By identifying how different substrate binding domains of the ERK2 protein influence cancer progression, they hope to create therapies that can better control disease advancement. This approach may lead to more effective treatments that preserve some kinase functions while inhibiting harmful ones.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with myeloproliferative neoplasms or related blood cancers.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by the Ras/MAPK pathway may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms and potentially other cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While targeting the Ras/MAPK pathway has been challenging, this novel approach of focusing on substrate interactions has not been widely tested, making it a potentially groundbreaking strategy.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
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.