New helix-shaped molecules to block cancer-driving Wnt signals
Targeting Wnt signaling pathway
Engineered helix-like molecules aim to block protein interactions that activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are designing novel helix-shaped, peptide-like molecules called sulfono-γ-AApeptides to mimic protein α-helices and disrupt BCL9/β-catenin and TCF/β-catenin interactions. In the lab they will test these compounds in cellular and 3-D cell models to see if they shut down Wnt signaling and trigger cancer cell death. Promising compounds will be optimized for stability and cell entry and may be tested in animal models before any human testing. The overall aim is to create drug candidates that could eventually be tested in patients with cancers driven by abnormal Wnt/β-catenin activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers known to involve Wnt/β-catenin signaling—such as some colorectal cancers and certain B‑cell lymphomas—would be the most likely candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: People whose tumors are not driven by Wnt/β‑catenin signaling or individuals without cancer are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce a new class of anti-cancer drugs that slow or stop tumors driven by abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Related helical peptidomimetics have shown promise in lab models, but using sulfono-γ-AApeptides to block these specific β‑catenin protein interactions is a novel and largely untested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Jianfeng — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Cai, Jianfeng
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.