Targeting profilin to normalize blood vessels in kidney cancer
Profilin as a Novel Target for Vascular Normalization in Renal Cancer
This work tests whether blocking a protein called profilin can normalize tumor blood vessels and help people with clear cell kidney cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178700 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at whether Profilin1 (Pfn1), a protein that controls the cell skeleton, drives the abnormal blood vessels in clear cell kidney cancer. Researchers will study tumor samples, perform lab experiments on endothelial and tumor cells, and use animal models to see if removing or inhibiting Pfn1 reduces tumor-promoted vascularization. Preliminary data show Pfn1 is elevated in tumor-associated blood vessel cells and that genetic deletion or a small-molecule inhibitor can reduce angiogenesis in models. The goal is to lay the groundwork for treatments that could be tested in patients in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), especially those with advanced disease or cancer that has become resistant to anti-angiogenic treatments, would be the most likely candidates for related clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non–clear cell kidney cancers, tumors that do not show elevated Pfn1, or those ineligible for investigational treatments may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, targeting profilin could slow tumor growth, overcome resistance to current anti-angiogenic drugs, and improve outcomes for people with clear cell kidney cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Anti-angiogenic therapies have helped many kidney cancer patients but often face resistance, and targeting profilin is a newer approach that currently has supportive lab and animal data but limited clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gau, David Martin — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gau, David Martin
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.