Targeting the androgen receptor signals that help prostate cancer cells survive and grow
Identifying and Targeting Specific Determinants of the AR Cistrome that Drive Prostate Cancer Cell Survival and Proliferation
Testing ways to block the androgen receptor's survival and growth programs in prostate cancer to help men with advanced or treatment-resistant disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198066 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map where the androgen receptor (AR) binds DNA and identify the specific genes and regulatory elements that let prostate cancer cells avoid death and keep dividing. They will use tumor samples, genomic analyses, cell models, and preclinical models to test which AR-driven programs are essential for cancer survival. The team will validate candidate targets in patient-derived samples and laboratory systems to find points where new therapies could block AR's cancer-promoting effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, particularly those whose tumors have progressed despite androgen-deprivation therapy or AR pathway inhibitors, would be the most relevant candidates for related trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage or benign prostate conditions, or cancers driven primarily by non-AR mechanisms, may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or strategies to overcome resistance to hormone therapies and improve treatment options for advanced prostate cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Existing AR-targeting therapies often produce strong initial responses but resistance is common, and translating detailed maps of AR-driven gene programs into effective new treatments remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Peter S — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Peter S
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.