Targeting the protein-translation hub eIF4F to fight cancer
Official title: Targeting central regulation of oncogenic signaling through inhibition of translation initiation complex eIF4F
Funded at Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville · NIH-11381867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug-like approach aims to block a key protein interaction that helps cancer cells grow and resist treatment, with participation possible by patients in future studies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edwardsville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 1, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $180,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM150772-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with cancers where eIF4F-driven translation is a key driver and who could participate in later-stage translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not dependent on eIF4F signaling or those not progressing to later-stage translational studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on stopping cancer cells from making extra proteins by inhibiting the eIF4F complex, which sits at a central control point for many cancer-driving pathways. Researchers are using computer-guided design to find small molecules that disrupt the contact between eIF4E and eIF4G, potentially slowing tumor growth and overcoming drug resistance. The work is at the preclinical stage, laying the groundwork for future experiments that could involve patient-derived samples or eventual trials. If successful, this strategy could lead to new therapies that target the protein-synthesis machinery in cancer cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may gain access to new therapies that curb cancer growth and reduce resistance to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that disrupting eIF4F can hinder cancer-related signaling, but challenges remain with potency and specificity; this project aims to overcome those hurdles.
Where this research is happening
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Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville
Edwardsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Bhargav Ashokbhai — Southern Illinois Univ at Edwardsville
- Study coordinator: Patel, Bhargav Ashokbhai
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.