Stopping a specific way cancer cells grow
Inhibition of the ALT pathway by interfering with Poly-ADP-Ribose metabolism
This research aims to find new ways to stop aggressive cancer cells from growing by blocking a special process they use to survive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11094007 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many aggressive cancers rely on a process called Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) to help them survive and multiply. This process allows cancer cells to lengthen their protective caps, called telomeres, which is crucial for their uncontrolled growth. Scientists have found that mutations in certain genes are often linked to this ALT process, making it a promising target for new treatments. This project focuses on understanding and interfering with a specific molecular step, involving ADP-Ribose, that is crucial for the ALT process to work. By disrupting this step, we hope to stop cancer cells from using ALT and ultimately prevent their growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with aggressive cancers that rely on the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not use the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) pathway would likely not benefit from therapies based on this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for aggressive cancers that currently have limited treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: The ALT pathway remains largely unexploited for cancer therapy development, making this a novel approach to target this mechanism.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'sullivan, Roderick — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: O'sullivan, Roderick
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.