Stopping TSSK6 to slow colorectal cancer
Mechanisms and Models of Testis Specific Serine Kinase 6: A Novel Therapeutic Target in Colorectal Cancer
Researchers aim to block a protein called TSSK6 to slow tumor growth and make treatments work better for people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists found the protein TSSK6 turned on in over half of colorectal tumors and linked it to worse relapse-free survival. They will study tumor samples and use cancer cells and animal models to see how TSSK6 helps tumors stick, survive, and resist drugs. The team will focus on the protein's kinase activity and its signaling at focal adhesions to find ways to block its cancer-promoting actions. The long-term goal is to develop treatments that target TSSK6 without harming normal tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer, especially those whose tumors show high TSSK6 levels or who have relapsed disease, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express TSSK6 or whose cancer is driven by different pathways are less likely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that shrink tumors, lower relapse risk, and improve response to existing colorectal cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal data show blocking TSSK6 reduces growth and invasion, and while kinase-targeting drugs have succeeded in other cancers, targeting TSSK6 is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright
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.