Targeting a specific signaling pathway to treat kidney cancer
Official title: Identification of DCLK2-TBK1 signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target in kidney cancer
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10909301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to treat clear cell kidney cancer by focusing on a protein called TBK1, which could help create treatments that target cancer cells more effectively while keeping your immune system safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $446,286 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284591-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, particularly those with VHL deficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those without VHL deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapeutic target for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a type of kidney cancer that is often resistant to existing treatments. The study focuses on the role of TANK Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) in cancer cell growth and how its regulation can lead to more effective therapies. By identifying TBK1 regulators, the research aims to develop inhibitors that specifically target cancer cells without affecting the immune system. This approach could provide a more tailored treatment option for patients with VHL-deficient kidney cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Qing — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Qing
Related research
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Maximizing anti-tumor immune responses in kidney cancer
A cutting-edge program at UT Southwestern aims to speed up better immunotherapy options for kidney cancer by studying how to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Kidney Cancer Career Enhancement Program (CEP) at DF/HCC
A career-boosting program supports junior investigators studying kidney cancer to help them advance in basic, translational, and clinical work.
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Kidney Cancer Development Program at DF/HCC
A funded program at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Kidney Cancer Center supports new ideas from researchers to improve understanding and treatment of kidney cancer.
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Personalized antigens for kidney cancer therapy
This grant explores identifying and targeting tumor-specific antigens in kidney cancer to develop more effective, personalized immunotherapies.
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Optimizing Anti-PD1 Therapy for High-Risk and Metastatic Kidney Cancer
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Targeting the HIF2 Pathway in Kidney Cancer
A cancer treatment program aims to see if a drug called belzutifan can help people with a specific kind of kidney cancer whose growth is driven by the HIF2 pathway.
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.