STAT3 pathway as a target for uterine fibroids
The STAT3 Pathway in Uterine Leiomyoma: A Therapeutic Target
This project will see if blocking the STAT3 pathway can shrink or slow uterine fibroids in people whose tumors carry MED12 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248829 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found that MED12 mutations, which cause most uterine fibroids, disrupt CDK8/19 control of STAT3 and may let STAT3 drive tumor growth and fibrosis. The team will use patients' tumor samples, CRISPR-modified cells, and laboratory models to study how STAT3 activity changes in MED12-mutated fibroids. They will test drugs and genetic approaches that block CDK8/19 or STAT3 to see whether that reduces tumor cell growth or fibrosis. The work aims to provide proof-of-concept for a targeted medical therapy for the MED12-mutated fibroid subtype.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with symptomatic uterine fibroids, especially those with tumors known or suspected to carry MED12 mutations, are the likely candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: People whose fibroids do not have MED12 mutations or who need immediate surgical treatment may be less likely to benefit from STAT3-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to a new targeted medicine that shrinks or controls MED12-mutated uterine fibroids and reduces the need for surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting STAT3 or related kinases has shown promise in preclinical models and some other cancers, but applying this strategy specifically to MED12-mutated uterine fibroids is largely novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bulun, Serdar E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Bulun, Serdar E.
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.