Targeting master gene switches in liver cancer
Understanding and Targeting Transcriptional Master Regulators in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Researchers are looking for key gene regulators in liver cancer cells that can be targeted to develop better treatments for people with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247975 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map the gene networks that keep liver cancer cells alive and identify the master switches controlling those networks. Scientists will analyze patient tumor samples and laboratory models to find which transcriptional regulators are essential for tumor growth. Promising regulators will be tested with genetic and drug-based approaches, and combinations with therapies that change the tumor microenvironment will be explored. The goal is to point to new treatment strategies or clinical trials for people with advanced liver cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those with advanced or treatment-resistant tumors or who can provide tumor tissue for research, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without liver cancer or those with early-stage disease unlikely to need systemic therapy may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that directly target tumor cell gene programs and improve outcomes for people with liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Immune- and microenvironment-targeting treatments have shown benefit in liver cancer, but directly targeting transcriptional master regulators is largely experimental and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwabe, Robert F. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Schwabe, Robert F.
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.