Targeting a specific enzyme to treat liver cancer
Ornithine Aminotransferase Inactivation, a New Approach for Treatment of Cancers
This study is looking at a special enzyme that's found in high amounts in liver cancer to create new treatments that can better target the cancer while causing fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049021 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of ornithine aminotransferase (OAT), an enzyme that is overexpressed in liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The approach involves using computer modeling to design new compounds that can selectively inhibit OAT, potentially leading to more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects. The researchers will modify existing compounds to enhance their effectiveness and test them against cancer cell lines that overexpress OAT. The goal is to develop targeted therapies that can improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who may benefit from targeted cancer therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve the overexpression of ornithine aminotransferase may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for liver cancer that minimize side effects.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting specific enzymes in cancer treatment is a growing field, this particular approach to inhibit OAT is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silverman, Richard B — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Silverman, Richard B
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.