Targeting hidden weaknesses in cancer cells
Identifying and targeting collateral lethal vulnerabilities in cancers
This project looks for genetic weak spots caused by missing tumor-suppressor genes and aims to shut down the partner genes those tumors rely on, for adults with cancers that have such deletions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your point of view, researchers will scan large cancer gene databases and tumor samples to find cases where a deleted gene leaves the tumor dependent on a partner gene. They will use lab models built from human cancer cell lines to test whether turning off the partner gene or using drugs can selectively kill those cancer cells. The team will follow up promising targets with further preclinical experiments to guide future drug development. This work is done at a major cancer center and aims to point to new targeted therapies for patients whose tumors carry these specific deletions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults whose tumors show specific genetic deletions (for example loss at 1p36, ARID1A, or similar loci) that create dependence on a remaining paralog gene.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not carry these specific collateral deletions or who are children are unlikely to benefit from the findings in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments that selectively kill tumor cells with fewer effects on normal tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown proof of concept for collateral lethality (for example ENO1-deleted glioblastoma and ME2/ME3 examples), but clinical application is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Depinho, Ronald Anthony — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Depinho, Ronald Anthony
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.