Targeting a key enzyme involved in protein degradation to fight cancer

Targeting the E1 Control Point of Protein Ubiquitination in Cancer

NIH-funded research Harvard Medical School · NIH-11188965

This study is looking at a special enzyme that helps cancer cells break down damaged proteins, and it’s testing a new treatment that could stop cancer growth, especially in tough cases like multiple myeloma, to find better ways to help patients fight their cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard Medical School NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11188965 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is crucial for degrading damaged proteins in cancer cells. It investigates a specific enzyme, UBE1, that plays a vital role in this process and how targeting it with a small molecule called TAK-243 can inhibit cancer cell growth. The study aims to explore alternative methods to overcome resistance to this treatment, particularly in cancers like multiple myeloma that rely heavily on the proteasome for survival. By understanding and manipulating this pathway, the research seeks to develop more effective anti-cancer therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma or other cancers that are dependent on the proteasome for survival.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not rely on the ubiquitin-proteasome system for their growth may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer, particularly multiple myeloma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system for cancer treatment, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions anti-cancerAnti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer druganti-cancer therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.