Targeting Profilin to Improve Blood Vessel Function in Kidney Cancer

Profilin as a Novel Target for Vascular Normalization in Renal Cancer

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10949012

This study is looking at a protein called Profilin1 to see how it influences kidney cancer and its blood vessels, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10949012 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of Profilin1, a protein involved in cell movement and growth, in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common type of kidney cancer. The study aims to understand how Profilin1 affects the blood vessels in tumors and to explore its potential as a new treatment target. By using both genetic techniques and small molecule inhibitors, the researchers hope to find ways to normalize the blood vessels in tumors, which could improve the effectiveness of existing therapies. Patients may benefit from this research if it leads to new treatment options that overcome resistance to current therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma who may not respond to current anti-angiogenic therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those who are not diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with kidney cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.