Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway to develop new cancer treatments
Official title: Targeting Wnt signaling pathway
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11032005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to stop certain protein interactions that play a role in cancer, using specially designed molecules that can block these interactions, with the hope of creating better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $370,431 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM150196-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with cancers associated with Wnt signaling pathway dysregulation, such as certain types of B-cell lymphomas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not linked to the Wnt signaling pathway may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and disrupting specific protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that are crucial in the Wnt signaling pathway, which is linked to various cancers. The approach involves designing innovative helical peptidomimetics that can effectively mimic natural α-helices to inhibit these interactions. By blocking the interactions between proteins like BCL9 and β-catenin, the research aims to create novel anti-cancer agents that could potentially halt cancer progression. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that target the underlying mechanisms of their cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new anti-cancer therapies that specifically target the Wnt signaling pathway.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting protein-protein interactions is a promising area of research, the specific approach of using helical peptidomimetics to disrupt Wnt signaling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Jianfeng — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Cai, Jianfeng
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.