Investigating the role of a specific enzyme in immune cells and prostate cancer progression
Official title: Cis-aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1) in PMN-MDSC and prostate cancer progression
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11000292 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme affects immune cells in men with advanced prostate cancer, hoping to find ways to improve their response to treatments that help the immune system fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 18, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,575 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276235-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000292 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those who have shown resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those not diagnosed with prostate cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific enzyme, cis-aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1), affects immune cells known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the context of advanced prostate cancer. The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the poor response of prostate cancer patients to immune checkpoint therapy, which has been effective in other cancers. By analyzing the cellular and molecular interactions, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could enhance treatment responses for patients with prostate cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for advanced prostate cancer, potentially enhancing patient responses to existing therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting MDSCs in other cancer types, suggesting that this approach may also be beneficial for prostate cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Guocan — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Wang, Guocan
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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.