Targeting a key protein that helps aggressive prostate cancer spread

Mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of lethal prostate cancer master regulator transcription factors

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11262847

Researchers are testing ways to block the GATA2 protein to help men with advanced, treatment-resistant prostate cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11262847 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This project focuses on GATA2, a master regulatory protein that becomes more active in advanced prostate cancer and helps cancer cells change their behavior. Researchers will use tumor samples, single-cell RNA sequencing, computer analyses, and laboratory experiments to map how GATA2 alters cancer cells and which genes it controls. They will test approaches to block GATA2-driven programs in cell and animal models and look for strategies that reduce invasiveness or restore sensitivity to current treatments. The work aims to point toward medicines and biomarkers that could guide care for men with aggressive prostate cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, especially those whose disease no longer responds to standard therapies, would be the most likely candidates for related future trials or sample donation.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage, localized prostate cancer or tumors that do not rely on GATA2-driven biology are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that slow or stop the spread of advanced prostate cancer and help existing therapies work better.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies support GATA2's role in aggressive prostate cancer, but directly targeting this kind of master regulator is a relatively new and unproven approach in patients.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, 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 Cancer CauseCancer EtiologyCancer PatientCancers
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.