Targeting specific cancer protein complexes to make more precise medicines
Selective disruption of histone deacetylase complexes using protein interaction modulators
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11259507
The team is trying a new way to block particular protein complexes that help cancer cells so people with certain cancers might get effective medicines with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259507 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at Dana-Farber are developing molecules that disrupt specific protein interactions inside histone deacetylase (HDAC) complexes rather than shutting down all HDAC enzymes. They will design and test these protein interaction modulators in cancer cells and laboratory models to see whether they narrow effects on normal genes while still stopping tumor growth. This approach aims to change fewer genes in healthy cells and reduce off-target effects compared with current broad HDAC inhibitors. If lab results are encouraging, the work could progress toward drug development and eventual clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by HDAC-related mechanisms—such as some lymphomas, multiple myeloma, or tumors showing HDAC-dependent gene changes—might be candidates for future trials of these agents.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are caused by unrelated pathways or who need immediate standard-of-care treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this early lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to cancer treatments that are more selective and cause fewer side effects than current HDAC-blocking drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Broad HDAC inhibitors are already approved for some cancers, but using protein interaction modulators to target specific HDAC subcomplexes is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VIDAL, MARC — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: VIDAL, MARC
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: Cancer Death Rates, Cancers