Stopping prostate cancer spread by targeting HoxB13
Targeting Undruggable Transcription Factor HoxB13 to Inhibit Prostate Cancer Metastasis
This project uses organ-targeted nanoparticles carrying RNA-targeting CRISPR to lower HoxB13 in aggressive prostate cancer to help prevent or slow metastasis to organs like the liver and lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, researchers are using lipid nanoparticles to deliver a CRISPR/Cas13d system that cuts down the HoxB13 message in tumor cells. They pair this with selective organ-targeting (SORT) nanoparticle technology to reach visceral sites such as the liver and lungs where dangerous metastases grow. The team tests this approach in laboratory and preclinical models to see whether lowering HoxB13 reduces tumor invasion and spread. If the results are promising, the work could move toward clinical testing as a gene-based therapy option for advanced prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, especially those with visceral (liver or lung) metastases or tumors showing high HoxB13 expression.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage localized prostate cancer, other cancer types, or tumors that do not express HoxB13 are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to a new treatment that prevents or reduces visceral and bone metastases in advanced prostate cancer, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Nanoparticle delivery and RNA-targeting therapies (including siRNA and LNP mRNA) have achieved clinical successes, but using Cas13d to target a transcription factor like HoxB13 is a novel strategy that is mainly at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Jiaoti — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Huang, Jiaoti
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.