Platform to find cancer protein variants caused by abnormal gene splicing
An integrated functional proteomics platform for accelerated discovery of isoform-specific determinants of cancer
The project builds lab and computer methods to find altered protein forms from abnormal RNA splicing in cancer patients to help identify new biomarkers and treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323969 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining high-resolution proteomics (protein measurement) techniques with computational analysis to link silent or splice-affecting mutations to the specific protein variants they produce. They will analyze tumor samples and large cancer datasets to map which protein isoforms are produced and how those isoforms affect tumor behavior and immune recognition. The effort aims to prioritize isoform-level biomarkers, drug targets, and neoantigens that could guide future tests or therapies. Most work is laboratory and data-focused rather than a treatment given directly to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancer who can provide tumor tissue or share clinical/genomic data—especially those with tumors showing unusual mutations or splicing patterns—would be the most relevant contributors.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly since this is a discovery and methods-development project rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new biomarkers and drug or immunotherapy targets that enable more personalized cancer diagnosis and treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown that altered RNA splicing can drive cancer and that proteomics can detect isoforms, but large-scale, isoform-specific discovery platforms are still emerging and remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sheynkman, Gloria — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Sheynkman, Gloria
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.