MRCK enzymes and ovarian cancer spread
Official title: Interrogating MRCK Protein Kinases in Ovarian Cancer
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11295410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are trying to block MRCK enzymes to stop ovarian cancer cells from forming spheroids and spreading in people with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $408,139 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282766-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with recurrent ovarian cancer, particularly those with peritoneal disease or ascites, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer without peritoneal spread or tumors that do not rely on MRCK signaling may be unlikely to benefit from MRCK-targeted approaches.
What this research studies
This project focuses on MRCK proteins that help ovarian cancer cells remodel their skeleton and move, especially when they form spheroids in ascites fluid. Scientists will use 3D cell cultures, spheroid models, and animal (xenograft and ascites) experiments to see how blocking MRCK changes cell adhesion, movement, and survival. They will map MRCK-driven signaling to find which actin/myosin-associated proteins are affected and test kinase inhibitors that target MRCK. The goal is to turn those laboratory findings into candidate therapies for patients with recurrent, peritoneal ovarian cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new MRCK-targeting drugs that shrink recurrent ovarian tumors, reduce peritoneal spread, and improve outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work shows MRCK inhibition can block spheroid growth and induce tumor cell death in cell and animal models, but MRCK-targeted therapy has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, James Stuart — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Duncan, James Stuart
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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.