Targeting AURKA to stop stomach cancer growth
Intercepting novel functions of AURKA in gastric tumorigenesis
This project is testing ways to block the AURKA protein to help people with stomach (gastric) cancer, especially tumors linked to H. pylori infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141590 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how AURKA, a protein often overactive in stomach cancers, helps tumor cells survive and resist treatment. They will analyze patient tumor samples and perform laboratory experiments to see how AURKA controls other cancer-promoting proteins like SOX9 and LGR5. The team will test approaches to block AURKA activity in cell and preclinical models to see if that reduces tumor cell survival and improves response to chemotherapy. Findings may point to targets for future clinical trials in patients with AURKA-high gastric tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gastric (stomach) cancer, particularly those whose tumors show high AURKA levels or have a history of H. pylori infection, would be the most likely candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Individuals without stomach cancer or whose tumors do not show elevated AURKA activity are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments that make stomach tumors more sensitive to therapy and lower the chance of recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies and some early clinical work targeting AURKA have shown promise, but applying these strategies specifically to H. pylori-driven gastric cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Rifai, Wael — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Rifai, Wael
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.