Targeting a protein involved in head and neck cancer growth
Official title: Targeting of RNA-binding protein FXR1 in HNSCC
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10571379 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to treat head and neck cancer by targeting a protein called FXR1 that helps cancer cells grow, with the hope of creating better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $419,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE032461-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10571379 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have not responded to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who have not been diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a common and aggressive type of cancer. The study aims to identify new therapeutic strategies by targeting RNA-binding proteins, specifically FXR1, which play a crucial role in cancer cell growth and proliferation. By investigating how FXR1 interacts with specific RNA structures, researchers hope to develop inhibitors that can effectively disrupt this process and improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach involves both molecular biology techniques and potential drug development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates and reduce drug resistance in patients with head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting RNA-binding proteins is a relatively novel approach, preliminary findings suggest that similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palanisamy, Viswanathan — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Palanisamy, Viswanathan
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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.