New Medicines to Block ERG in Prostate Cancer
Small Molecule ERG Inhibitors for Prostate Cancer
This project aims to create new medicines that block a protein called ERG, which is often overactive in prostate cancer, to offer better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11110483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Prostate cancer can become resistant to standard hormone therapies, leading to a more aggressive form called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with limited treatment options. This project focuses on a protein called ERG, which is overactive in about half of prostate cancers and helps the cancer grow. Our goal is to develop new small molecule drugs that specifically block ERG's activity. By targeting ERG, we hope to create a new class of medicines that can effectively treat prostate cancer, particularly for patients whose disease has become resistant to current treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with prostate cancer, particularly those whose cancer has become resistant to hormone therapy and has the ERG gene fusion, might benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose prostate cancer does not involve the ERG gene fusion may not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for prostate cancer, especially for patients with castration-resistant disease.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting transcription factors like ERG has traditionally been challenging, this project explores a novel approach to develop specific inhibitors.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bushweller, John Hackett — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Bushweller, John Hackett
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.