Targeting a stress-specific function of a DNA replication protein to boost oral cancer therapy
Official title: Targeting the stress-specific function of replication protein A in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11321521 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, targeted NIH grant explores a new way to make existing treatments work better for oral cancer by attacking a special function of a DNA replication protein that cancer cells rely on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $192,865 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE034524-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321521 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma could be eligible for future studies testing this approach in combination with current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on the targeted replication stress mechanism may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on oral squamous cell carcinoma, a cancer with a substantial global impact. It proposes targeting a specific function of a DNA replication protein to selectively worsen cancer cell stress while trying to minimize harm to normal cells. Researchers will examine how the RPA70N protein motif helps cancer cells cope with replication stress and whether blocking it can enhance standard treatments. The work involves molecular and cellular studies to understand protein interactions and the resulting effects on cancer cell survival. If successful, this approach could inform more effective combination therapies for OSCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve how OSCC responds to treatment and potentially reduce tumor growth or recurrence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in similar replication-stress targeting concepts has shown promise in preclinical models, though direct application to OSCC is still early stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peng, Aimin — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Peng, Aimin
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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.