Parkin’s role in stopping cancer by boosting immune attack on tumors
Official title: Parkin tumor suppression
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11362542 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant studies how Parkin helps prevent cancer by making the immune system more aggressive against tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,498,878 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA286080-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362542 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cancers where Parkin-related pathways are relevant and that could benefit from immune-boosting strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unlikely to involve Parkin pathways or immune reprogramming may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
The project explores how Parkin, a protein linked to mitochondria, acts as a two-way shield against cancer by limiting tumor cell movement and metabolism while reshaping the immune environment to fight tumors. It will examine how Parkin can trigger immunogenic cell death and promote signals that attract CD8+ T cells into tumors, potentially reducing tumor growth and spread. Researchers will use multiple approaches to understand how Parkin activates interferon pathways and inflammatory signals, independent of mitophagy, and how this affects the tumor microenvironment. The work aims to uncover mechanisms that could be leveraged to develop new cancer therapies that harness the body's own immune response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from new approaches that boost immune attack on tumors and limit cancer progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests Parkin can influence immune responses and tumor suppression, supporting potential for positive outcomes in related studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Altieri, Dario C — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Altieri, Dario C
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.