Investigating how TRIM37 contributes to cancer growth and its vulnerability to a specific treatment
The role of TRIM37 in driving tumorigenesis and cancer-specific vulnerability to PLK4 inhibition
This study is looking at a gene called TRIM37 that might help cancer grow, especially in breast cancer and neuroblastoma, and is testing a new treatment that targets cancer cells with high TRIM37 levels to see if blocking a protein called PLK4 can help kill those cells and improve options for patients with certain genetic traits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11087542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of TRIM37, a gene that may drive cancer development, particularly in breast cancer and neuroblastoma. The team is investigating a new treatment approach that targets cancer cells with high levels of TRIM37 by inhibiting a protein called PLK4, which is crucial for cell division. By understanding how this inhibition leads to cancer cell death, the researchers aim to identify new therapeutic strategies for patients with specific genetic profiles. This work builds on previous successes with targeted therapies, focusing on synthetic lethality to improve treatment outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with breast cancer or neuroblastoma, particularly those with high levels of TRIM37 expression.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or neuroblastoma, or those whose tumors do not exhibit TRIM37 amplification, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, targeted therapies for patients with certain types of breast cancer and neuroblastoma, improving survival rates and treatment efficacy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has successfully utilized synthetic lethality approaches in cancer treatment, particularly with PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutated breast cancers, indicating potential for this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Regot, Sergi — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Regot, Sergi
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.