Reactivating mutated p53 proteins to fight cancer
Official title: Restore the Tumor-Suppressive Activities of p53 Mutants
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10851881 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a way to help fix a common problem in cancer cells by trying to restore the function of a protein called p53, which is often mutated in cancer, using another protein called PEPD, and it aims to see if changing how these proteins interact can help the body fight cancer better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $341,699 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282703-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10851881 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have p53 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not involve p53 mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to restore the function of mutated p53 proteins, which are commonly found in various cancers. The approach focuses on a protein called peptidase D (PEPD) that can bind to these mutated p53 proteins and potentially reactivate their tumor-suppressing abilities. By disrupting the binding of PEPD to these mutants, the research aims to induce changes that could restore their normal function, thereby enhancing the body's ability to combat cancer. The study will involve laboratory experiments to assess how these modifications can lead to the reactivation of p53 mutants and their subsequent impact on tumor suppression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating cancers associated with p53 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of reactivating p53 mutants is innovative, similar strategies targeting tumor suppressor proteins have shown promise in other research.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yuesheng — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yuesheng
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.