Targeting the protein-assembly that drives AML growth
Official title: Pilot Project 2
Funded at Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11626520 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aiming to slow or stop acute myeloid leukemia by blocking how cancer cells make proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $176,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA285116-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11626520 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with AML or related myeloid malignancies who may participate in future translation-targeted therapy trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose leukemia does not rely on translational control or who cannot tolerate experimental therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on AML, a deadly blood cancer, and looks at a key protein-making machine inside cells called eIF4F. By studying how translation of mRNA is turned on in leukemia and testing inhibitors that block eIF4F’s parts, researchers hope to find new ways to halt cancer progression. The work combines experiments in cells and in living organisms to understand how these inhibitors affect leukemia biology and treatment responses. If successful, the findings could point toward novel therapies that improve survival for AML patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new drugs that better control AML by disrupting cancer cells’ protein production.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that targeting translation initiation factors can suppress cancer cell growth, but AML-specific outcomes require further validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
Duarte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Rui — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Su, Rui
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Metformin for reversing accelerated aging in young adults with metabolic health issues
A practical plan to use metformin to help 18- to 35-year-olds with insulin resistance improve metabolic health and slow aging.
-
PIN1-targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer
A team is developing new PIN1 inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer that tends to resist current therapies.
-
DNA mismatch repair defects and anti-tumor immunity in cancer
Researchers are studying how defects in a DNA repair system affect the body’s immune response to tumors, to improve cancer treatments that use the immune system.
-
Understanding how skin cancer-associated fibroblasts affect immune detection in early mycosis fungoides
This grant investigates how certain skin cells in early mycosis fungoides might help the cancer hide from the immune system, with findings aiming to improve future patient care.
-
Small-molecule and biologic treatments for glioblastoma using targeted brain delivery
A new approach aims to use FPS-ZM1 to shrink brain swelling and support immunotherapy for glioblastoma, potentially helping patients recover after surgery.
-
Integrated Islet Distribution Program supports access to human pancreatic islets for diabetes research
This grant helps provide researchers with human pancreatic islets and related tissues to study diabetes, aiming to accelerate better understanding and treatments for adults with diabetes.
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.