New drug-like molecules to block cancer growth signals
Developing chemical probes for oncogenic signaling pathways
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST · NIH-11166667
Creating and testing new molecules to block proteins that drive cancers like breast cancer and PTPN11-mutant tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166667 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project makes new small molecules and bifunctional degraders that aim at proteins known to promote cancer growth. The team will focus on targets including the kinases ACK1 and ULK3, the stress kinase PERK, and degraders related to gilteritinib's target. Chemists at Moffitt's Chemical Biology Core will synthesize these compounds and lab scientists will test their activity and selectivity in cell models relevant to breast cancer and PTPN11-mutant tumors. Promising probes will help researchers understand tumor biology and guide future drug development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer or tumors that have PTPN11 (SHP2) mutations would be the most likely future candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by these specific pathways, or those seeking immediate treatment, are unlikely to benefit directly because this is preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted drugs or clinical trials for breast cancer and cancers with PTPN11 mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Chemistry-based probes and kinase inhibitors have produced effective cancer drugs before, and targeted protein degraders are a newer but promising strategy.
Where this research is happening
TAMPA, UNITED STATES
- H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST — TAMPA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAWRENCE, HARSHANI R — H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST
- Study coordinator: LAWRENCE, HARSHANI R
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Cancer Center, Cancer Center Support Grant, Cancers