Targeting a protein involved in high-risk neuroblastoma treatment
Targeting allosteric scaffolding functions of Aurora kinase A in cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11038012
This study is looking at a tough childhood cancer called high-risk neuroblastoma and is testing new ways to help fight it by targeting a specific protein that helps the cancer grow, with the hope of creating better treatments for young patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11038012 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on high-risk neuroblastoma, a severe cancer affecting infants, particularly targeting the Aurora A protein that interacts with the N-Myc oncogene. By disrupting the binding between Aurora A and N-Myc, the research aims to promote the degradation of N-Myc, which is crucial for the survival of neuroblastoma cells. The approach involves developing new inhibitors that can effectively alter the structure of Aurora A to enhance its ability to degrade N-Myc. This innovative strategy could lead to more effective treatments for patients with this challenging cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma who have limited treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with low-risk neuroblastoma or other types of cancer unrelated to the Myc family of oncogenes may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic option for infants suffering from high-risk neuroblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting Myc-family transcription factors is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in disrupting similar protein interactions in other cancers.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEVINSON, NICHOLAS MARK — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: LEVINSON, NICHOLAS MARK
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 below.
Conditions: anti-cancer therapy