New drugs that 'glue' protein partners to fight RAS/BRAF cancers
Molecular Glues to Target RAS-MAPK Driven Cancers
Developing a new kind of drug that 'glues' together proteins to treat cancers driven by KRAS or BRAF mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11284003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering are designing small molecules called 'molecular glues' that bind the surfaces between proteins in the RAS-MAPK signaling chain rather than the usual active sites. They use structural methods like X-ray crystallography, medicinal chemistry, and lab tests in cells and models to create and refine these compounds. The team aims to improve selectivity and reduce toxicity compared with current MEK or BRAF inhibitors and to design combinations that limit drug resistance. This work is primarily preclinical now but could lead to early clinical testing if the compounds show strong safety and anti-tumor activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers that carry KRAS or BRAF mutations, particularly those with advanced or treatment-resistant disease, would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are driven by non-RAS/MAPK pathways or who lack the targeted protein complexes are unlikely to benefit from these drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could yield more precise treatments for KRAS- or BRAF-driven tumors with fewer side effects and longer-lasting responses.
How similar studies have performed: Molecular glue drugs have worked for some other protein targets, but applying this strategy to the RAS-MAPK pathway is new and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dar, Arvin — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Dar, Arvin
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.