NR4A1-targeting drug that helps fight melanoma
Proteolysis targeting chimera against nuclear receptor NR4A1 for melanoma therapy
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11301021
Researchers are developing a new medicine that directs the cell to destroy a protein called NR4A1 to help people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301021 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would hear that scientists picked NR4A1 because it helps both melanoma cells and some immune-suppressing cells in the tumor environment. They plan to build small molecules called PROTACs (they tag unwanted proteins so the cell disposes of them) using parts of a natural compound called celastrol. The team will test these NR4A1 degraders in cells and lab models to see how they affect tumor growth and immune cells. The work uses existing single-cell gene data to guide design and to check whether the approach spares helpful immune cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with melanoma—especially those whose tumors are resistant to existing therapies or who have BRAF-mutant disease—would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or with cancers driven by unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a new targeted therapy that shrinks melanoma tumors and reduces immune suppression, potentially helping patients who don't respond to current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: PROTACs have shown promise in laboratory studies and early clinical trials for other targets, but using a PROTAC against NR4A1 in melanoma is a novel approach that has not yet been tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHANG, WEIZHOU — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: ZHANG, WEIZHOU
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.