Targeting CDKs for Cancer Treatment
Cyclin Dependent Kinases as Epigenetic Therapy Targets
This project explores new ways to reprogram cancer cells, particularly in breast cancer and myeloid leukemias, by targeting specific proteins called CDKs to change how genes are expressed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coriell Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11140520 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Epigenetic therapy aims to change how cancer genes work, and this project focuses on a new class of drugs that target Cyclin Dependent Kinases (CDKs). Researchers found that inhibiting CDK9 can activate helpful genes, like those that suppress tumors, while also turning off harmful genes that promote cancer growth. This approach also appears to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer, potentially making existing immune therapies more effective. By understanding and manipulating these CDK pathways, this work seeks to develop novel strategies to make cancer cells more vulnerable to treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer or myeloid leukemias who might benefit from therapies that reprogram cancer cells or enhance immune responses could be ideal candidates for future studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve the specific genetic pathways targeted by CDK inhibitors may not receive direct benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that reprogram cancer cells and make them more responsive to existing therapies, especially immune-based ones.
How similar studies have performed: While DNA methyltransferase inhibitors have shown success in epigenetic therapy, this specific approach targeting CDKs as epigenetic drugs is a newer discovery with promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
Camden, United States
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research — Camden, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Issa, Jean-Pierre J. — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Issa, Jean-Pierre J.
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.