NIH-funded research R01 grant

Targeting a disrupted circadian regulator to treat advanced prostate cancer

Official title: Targeting aberrant circadian regulator in advanced prostate cancer

Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10993125 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific protein called Rev-erbα affects advanced prostate cancer that doesn't respond to usual treatments, and it will test a new way to block this protein to see if it can help slow down the cancer and improve patient outcomes.

More Prostate Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project startDecember 15, 2021
Project endNovember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$368,288
NIH project number5R01CA259081-04
Project IDNIH-10993125 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, particularly those with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage prostate cancer or those who do not have metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a circadian rhythm regulator, Rev-erbα, in advanced prostate cancer, particularly in cases resistant to current therapies. The study aims to understand how this regulator contributes to tumor growth and survival in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). By using small molecule antagonists to inhibit Rev-erbα, the research seeks to determine the effectiveness and safety of this approach in treating aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Patients may be monitored for changes in tumor behavior and response to treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with advanced prostate cancer that is resistant to existing therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting circadian regulators in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California at Davis
    Davis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chen, Hongwu — University of California at Davis
  • Study coordinator: Chen, Hongwu

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.