Making paclitaxel work better for ovarian cancer by targeting PKR and BCL2
Targeting PKR-Bcl2 Signaling to Overcome Paclitaxel Resistance in Ovarian Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11159672
This project looks at whether targeting the PKR–BCL2 pathway can make paclitaxel chemotherapy work better for people with ovarian cancer that is resistant to treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11159672 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying two proteins, PKR and BCL2, that seem to control how ovarian tumors respond to paclitaxel. They use biochemical screens, cancer cell lines, and mouse models to see whether changing PKR activity or BCL2 levels restores sensitivity to paclitaxel. The team has identified new PKR phosphorylation sites during mitosis and will manipulate PKR and BCL2 to test effects on chemotherapy response. Results could point to drug targets or combination treatments to overcome resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with recurrent ovarian cancer or tumors that no longer respond to paclitaxel would be the most likely candidates to benefit from future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not treated with paclitaxel or whose tumors do not involve the PKR–BCL2 pathway are less likely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies or drug combinations that make paclitaxel more effective for patients with chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting BCL2-family proteins has shown promise in some cancers, but applying the PKR–BCL2 axis specifically to overcome paclitaxel resistance is largely novel and currently supported mainly by preclinical data.
Where this research is happening
OMAHA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER — OMAHA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DONG, JIXIN — UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: DONG, JIXIN
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.