Targeted molecules that destroy cancer-driving proteins
Official title: Chemical Probes and Drug Discovery
Funded at Wistar Institute · NIH-11334356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are making new drug-like molecules that can find and break down proteins tied to Epstein-Barr virus–related cancers and other tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 11, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $340,299 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA269043-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Epstein-Barr virus–positive cancers or tumors known to respond to PARP-targeting approaches would be the most relevant candidates for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors are not driven by EBV or who lack PARP-related vulnerabilities are unlikely to benefit from these specific approaches.
What this research studies
This program develops chemical probes and drug candidates that tag disease proteins for destruction rather than just blocking them. Scientists will design DNA-based targeting pieces and small molecules called PROTACs to guide the cell’s own protein-removal machinery to EBNA1 (an Epstein-Barr virus protein) and to PARP1 (a cancer-linked protein). Work uses laboratory assays, biochemical screening, medicinal chemistry, and cancer cell models to test which compounds selectively degrade the target proteins and kill tumor cells. Teams will compare protein degraders to existing enzyme-blocking drugs like olaparib to see differences in activity and potential combinations with other cancer drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new targeted therapies that more effectively kill tumor cells by removing key cancer proteins.
How similar studies have gone: PARP enzyme inhibitors like olaparib are already used in patients, while protein-degrading PROTACs are a newer strategy with promising preclinical results but limited clinical testing so far.
Where this research is happening
-
Wistar Institute
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salvino, Joseph M — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Salvino, Joseph M
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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.