New mechanism of gasdermin A-driven pyroptosis with potential cancer and autoimmune implications
Official title: Dissecting a New Pyroptotic Mechanism Driven by Gasdermin A Activation
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11447246 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores a newly discovered way that a protein called gasdermin A can trigger a fiery form of cell death that could influence inflammation and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 9, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $577,181 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI192472-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447246 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with autoimmune diseases or breast cancer may benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without autoimmune diseases or breast cancer may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how gasdermin A is activated in sterile conditions and how this leads to pyroptosis, potentially shaping immune responses in autoimmune diseases and breast cancer. The work focuses on the molecular steps that turn epithelial cells on and how this affects tumor immunity. By uncovering how GSDMA is processed and activated, the study aims to identify new targets for therapies that could modulate inflammation or boost anti-tumor immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to treat autoimmune diseases and enhance immune responses against breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that activating gasdermins can convert immune-cold tumors into hot ones, supporting translational potential.
Where this research is happening
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University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhibin — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhibin
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.