Stapled Peptides to Target Cancer Protein Interactions
Official title: Stapled Peptides for Protein Interaction Research and Therapeutic Targeting in Human Cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11446831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cancer-focused grant tests stapled peptide molecules designed to disrupt how cancer proteins talk to each other, aiming to slow or stop tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2016 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $230,012 |
| NIH project number | 2R50CA211399-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with cancers driven by BCL-2 family signaling (such as certain leukemias and solid tumors) who may benefit from future targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer is not dependent on BCL-2 family pathways or who cannot tolerate investigational peptides may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses hydrocarbon-stapled peptides to imitate and interrupt critical protein interactions that help cancer cells survive. The approach combines synthetic chemistry, structural analysis, and proteomics to map and modulate signaling pathways that control cell death and chemoresistance. By studying these interactions in cancer cells, researchers hope to identify new ways to trigger tumor cell death and improve existing therapies. The work builds on a platform that links design, biology, and drug-like properties to translate findings toward treatments for BCL-2 family–related cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to novel therapies that better trigger cancer cell death and enhance responses to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work with stapled peptides has shown proof of concept in modulating protein interactions and promoting cancer cell death in models.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bird, Gregory Howard — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Bird, Gregory Howard
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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.