Targeting an MDM2–tubulin pathway in acute myeloid leukemia
Discovery of a novel MDM2-tubulin signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in AML
Trying to block a newly found MDM2–tubulin pathway to kill AML cells and help people with acute myeloid leukemia get more targeted, less toxic treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228785 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would learn that researchers are studying a newly discovered MDM2–tubulin signaling pathway inside AML cells to see how it helps leukemia grow. They will use leukemia cells and lab tests to see how a tubulin-targeting drug called VERU-111 affects MDM2 levels and cancer cell survival. The team will compare cells with high and low MDM2 to find who responds best and work to understand effects that do not depend on p53. This work is preclinical but is meant to point toward new targeted drugs that might be safer than traditional chemotherapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia—especially those whose leukemia shows high MDM2 levels or who have relapsed or cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy—would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without AML or whose leukemia does not overexpress MDM2 are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to targeted treatments that better kill MDM2-high AML cells while causing fewer long-term side effects than standard chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Other tubulin-targeting drugs and MDM2 inhibitors have shown preclinical or early clinical activity, but using a tubulin inhibitor to suppress MDM2 (as with VERU-111) is a newer, largely preclinical idea.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Muxiang — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Muxiang
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.