Next-generation allosteric PRC2 inhibitors to fight cancer
Official title: Development and Mechanist Validation of Next Generation Allosteric PRC2 Inhibitors for Cancer Epigenetics
Funded at Brooklyn College · NIH-11424978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to develop new cancer drugs that block a key epigenetic pathway, aiming to help patients whose cancers resist current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brooklyn College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $154,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM165744-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424978 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with cancers characterized by PRC2-driven epigenetic changes and overexpression of EZH2 who have or develop resistance to current EZH2 inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers are not driven by PRC2 dysregulation may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and refining a new class of cancer drugs that inhibit PRC2 through an allosteric mechanism. Researchers will optimize a stapled peptide, DAB003-8C, and related compounds for better potency, stability, and ability to enter cells. They will use structure-activity analyses, chemical tweaks, and computer design, supported by biochemical, biophysical, and cellular tests to understand how these inhibitors work and how selectively they shut down the cancer-promoting pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with cancers driven by PRC2 dysregulation could gain more effective options with fewer resistance problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous efforts targeting epigenetic regulators have shown promise, but resistance remains an issue; this study explores a novel allosteric approach that is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Brooklyn College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gerona-Navarro, Guillermo — Brooklyn College
- Study coordinator: Gerona-Navarro, Guillermo
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.