Precise lab-made signaling proteins to explore cancer cell communication
Chemoenzymatic Protein Semisynthesis Approaches Toward Cell Signaling Enzymes
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11171501
Researchers are making exactly modified signaling proteins to learn how cancer cells control growth and survival, which could help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11171501 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project makes chemically defined versions of key signaling enzymes so scientists can see exactly how chemical tags (post-translational modifications) change their behavior. The team uses chemoenzymatic semisynthesis to produce homogeneous forms of proteins like S6K1 and PP2A and then runs biochemical and structural tests to see how specific modifications alter activity and interactions. Findings will map how phosphorylation and other modifications tune these enzymes and help explain signaling changes seen in many cancers. Results aim to point to molecular mechanisms that could be targeted by future drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to involve mTOR/S6K1 or PP2A pathway alterations, or patients willing to provide tumor samples for molecular research, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment changes or those with cancers unrelated to these signaling pathways are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets and strategies for more precise cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related protein semisynthesis approaches have previously clarified kinase regulation (for example Akt Ser473 and mTORC2), but applying these methods to S6K1 and PP2A is a newer extension.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHU, NAM KY — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: CHU, NAM KY
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.
Conditions: Cancers