Making RAS-targeted drugs attack cancer cells more than healthy cells
Mechanisms determining tumor-selective potency of RAS pathway inhibitors
Researchers are developing ways to help medicines that block the RAS signaling pathway kill RAS-mutant tumors while sparing normal cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235156 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on why drugs that block the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway work well for some tumors but not for cancers driven by RAS mutations. The team will study how RAS activation changes the shape, levels, and drug-binding behavior of RAF proteins using laboratory cell models and molecular assays, and may use patient-derived tumor samples. They will test single drugs and drug combinations to compare how signaling is suppressed in RAS-mutant tumor cells versus normal cells to spot approaches that avoid harmful side effects. Findings are intended to guide more selective treatment strategies for people with RAS-mutant cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by RAS mutations (for example certain lung, colorectal, or pancreatic cancers) could be relevant for future trials or for donating tumor samples.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have RAS pathway alterations or who need immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to drug strategies that more selectively kill RAS-mutant tumors with fewer dose-limiting side effects.
How similar studies have performed: RAF and MEK inhibitors have produced clear benefits in BRAF-mutant tumors, but comparable success in RAS-mutant cancers has been limited and remains a challenge.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poulikakos, Poulikos I — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Poulikakos, Poulikos I
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.