Targeting the protein housekeeping system in adult leukemia
Official title: Disrupting the Proteostasis Network in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11452453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia by disrupting how AML cells manage their proteins, with the goal of helping patients live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $304,168 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA303675-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with AML or related acute myeloid leukemias who have measurable disease and are seeking new therapeutic options.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to this proteostasis-targeting approach and could experience treatment-related risks without benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on AML, a common adult leukemia, and looks at how cancer cells cope with protein stress. By combining inhibitors that block the proteasome with disruption of autophagy or heat shock responses, the approach aims to push leukemia cells toward cell death while aiming to spare normal cells. The work involves preclinical studies and may move toward early clinical exploration under a physician-scientist’s guidance. If successful, it could lead to new treatment options for adults with AML who currently have limited long-term survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with AML could gain a new treatment strategy that improves survival by exploiting the cancer cells’ protein-stress weaknesses.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest that combining proteasome inhibition with disruption of autophagy or heat shock responses can kill AML cells, indicating potential for therapeutic benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lam, Kentson — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Lam, Kentson
Related research
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A new grant explores how AML cells depend on selenium metabolism and how blocking certain regulators can trigger cancer cell death, with potential benefits for adults with AML.
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.