Investigating how VPRBP and USP2 regulate p53 and PD-L1 in cancer treatment

Co-regulation of p53 and PD-L1 by the VPRBP-USP2 axis in transcription and ubiquitylation

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11041027

This study is looking at how two proteins, VPRBP and USP2, work together to influence the important cancer-fighting protein p53 and the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1, with the goal of finding new treatment options for cancers that still have a working version of p53.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11041027 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the role of the VPRBP-USP2 axis in regulating the tumor suppressor protein p53 and the immune checkpoint protein PD-L1. By exploring how these proteins interact and affect each other's stability and function, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies for cancers that retain wild-type p53. The approach involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of tumor samples to assess the impact of targeting this regulatory axis on cancer treatment outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have wild-type p53 and high levels of PD-L1 expression.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that have mutated p53 or low PD-L1 expression may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors while minimizing toxicity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
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.