Targeting the WNT pathway specifically in tumors
Tumor selective inhibition of the WNT pathway
A new approach to block harmful WNT signals only in tumors for adults with advanced colorectal, lung, breast, or prostate cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167464 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
WNT pathway overactivity helps drive colorectal and other advanced cancers, but drugs that shut it down can harm healthy tissues like the gut and bone. This project aims to find ways to suppress WNT signaling only in cancer cells by exploiting cancer-specific genetic losses and testing tumor-selective Tankyrase (TNKS) inhibition. Researchers will use cell models and animal studies to test whether this selective approach reduces tumor growth while avoiding the toxic effects seen with broad WNT blockers. If successful, the work could guide development of safer WNT-targeting treatments for people with WNT-driven tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with advanced colorectal cancer or other cancers known to have hyperactive WNT signaling would be the likely candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not driven by WNT signaling or those seeking immediate treatment benefit are unlikely to gain from this preclinical project now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to safer WNT-targeting treatments that shrink tumors without causing major intestinal or bone damage.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies show TNKS inhibitors can block WNT and slow tumors but caused on-target toxicities, so the tumor-selective strategy is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dow, Lukas Edward — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Dow, Lukas Edward
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.