Reversing mutations in a protein linked to cancer risk
Official title: Refolding Mutant p53: A Strategy for Cancer Prevention in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11174990 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with certain genetic mutations that affect the VHL protein, which can increase cancer risk, by developing compounds that might help the protein work better and reduce the chances of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $200,000 |
| NIH project number | 3U54CA272686-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174990 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with germline mutations in the VHL gene or those at high risk for cancers linked to these mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without VHL mutations or those with cancers unrelated to VHL may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to counteract the effects of genetic mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein, which is associated with an increased risk of various cancers. By utilizing advanced computational modeling and structure-based methods, the team aims to develop compounds that can stabilize the active form of the VHL protein, potentially restoring its function. This could lead to significant advancements in cancer prevention strategies for individuals with hereditary mutations. The research focuses on patients with specific mutations that affect the VHL protein's ability to suppress tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing cancers associated with VHL mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using computational methods to develop therapies targeting similar genetic mutations, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clapper, Margie L. — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Clapper, Margie L.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Refolding Mutant p53: A Strategy to Help People with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
Aims to develop drugs that stabilize mutant p53 in people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome to prevent cancers before they develop.
-
Cancer screening with cell-free DNA in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
A new, patient-friendly screening approach using blood tests to look for cancer signals in people with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, alongside standard imaging.
-
Helping mutated p53 fold correctly to lower cancer risk in Li‑Fraumeni syndrome
This project tests drugs that help mutated p53 protein fold properly to lower cancer risk for people with Li‑Fraumeni syndrome.
-
Improving cancer prevention for people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome
This study is looking at how to create new medications that can help people with Li-Fraumeni syndrome by fixing a faulty protein linked to cancer, with the goal of preventing tumors from developing.
-
Using video capsules to examine patients with Lynch Syndrome
This study is testing whether video capsules can be a good alternative to regular colonoscopies for people with Lynch Syndrome to help improve cancer screening.
-
Understanding genetic causes of neuroendocrine tumors in Mexican patients
This study is trying to find out the genetic changes that cause neuroendocrine tumors in Mexican patients to help develop better treatments.
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.