New treatments for sarcoma driven by fusion proteins
Targeting transcriptional addiction in fusion-driven sarcoma
This project aims to find new small molecule medicines for sarcomas that are caused by unique fusion proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132944 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Sarcomas driven by fusion proteins are often difficult to treat because these proteins don't have obvious spots for medicines to attach. Our team is working to discover new small molecules that can target these fusion proteins in two ways: by interfering with the cell's machinery that the fusion proteins hijack to grow, and by directly disrupting the fusion proteins themselves. We have found a promising entry point called the CDK8 kinase module, which could be a target for new drugs. The goal is to develop therapies for these challenging cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on patients with sarcomas caused by specific fusion proteins, particularly adolescents and young adults.
Not a fit: Patients with sarcomas not driven by fusion proteins or other cancer types would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with fusion-driven sarcomas, offering more effective treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: Developing targeted therapies for fusion oncoproteins has lagged behind other cancer treatments, making this a novel and much-needed approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcfadden, David Glenn — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mcfadden, David Glenn
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.