Targeting KAT6A in ovarian and triple-negative breast cancers
KAT6A as a novel druggable target for cancer treatment: mechanisms and therapeutic implications in KAT6A-dependent tumors
Researchers are testing a new way to block the KAT6A protein to help people with high-grade serous ovarian cancer or triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on KAT6A, a protein that helps control gene activity and may be essential for some ovarian and triple-negative breast tumors. Scientists will use tumor cell models and animal studies to see how tumors respond when KAT6A is blocked and to test candidate KAT6A-inhibiting drugs. They will also search for molecular markers that identify tumors most likely to depend on KAT6A so those patients could be matched to therapies. Promising lab results would help guide future clinical trials for patients with these cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with high-grade serous ovarian cancer or triple-negative breast cancer, especially those whose tumors show high KAT6A activity or related molecular features, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types or tumors that do not show KAT6A activity are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted drugs that provide treatment options for patients with KAT6A-dependent ovarian or triple-negative breast cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting histone acetylation have succeeded in some blood cancers and preclinical HAT inhibitors show promise in lab and animal models, but directly targeting KAT6A in these solid tumors is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lin
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.