Targeting Ninjurin Proteins for Cancers with Normal p53
The Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Ninjurin Pathway for Tumors Carrying Wild-Type p53
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11089378
This project looks at how certain proteins called Ninjurin interact with a key cancer-fighting gene, p53, to find new ways to treat breast cancer and other tumors that have a healthy p53 gene.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many cancers involve changes to a crucial gene called p53, which normally helps stop tumor growth. However, about half of all human cancers still have a healthy, working p53 gene. This project explores how two proteins, Ninjurin1 and Ninjurin2, interact with p53 in these cancers. Researchers have found that these Ninjurin proteins form a feedback loop with p53, and blocking them can slow down cancer cell growth and spread in laboratory settings. The goal is to understand this interaction better and see if targeting Ninjurin proteins could be a new treatment approach for tumors where p53 is still normal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for patients with breast cancer or other tumors that have a normal, unmutated p53 gene.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors have a mutated or non-functional p53 gene may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug targets and treatments for breast cancer and other tumors that still have a functional p53 gene, which currently lack specific therapies leveraging this pathway.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of Ninjurin proteins in cancer is still being explored, preliminary lab studies have shown promising results in slowing cancer cell growth by targeting these proteins.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHEN, XINBIN — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: CHEN, XINBIN
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer Cell, Cancers