Targeting Wnt signaling to develop new cancer treatments
Therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling in cancer
This study is looking for new medicines that can help control a specific cancer-related process in the body, especially for people with colorectal cancer, by targeting certain proteins to make them less active and potentially improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10979145 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to create small-molecule drugs that can effectively target and control the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is known to contribute to the development and spread of various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. The researchers will explore a novel chemical method to inhibit tankyrases, proteins that play a dual role in this signaling pathway, to better understand their function and develop effective treatments. By stabilizing the β-catenin destruction complex, the goal is to enhance the degradation of β-catenin, which is often overactive in cancer cells. This approach could lead to breakthroughs in treating cancers that have been difficult to target with existing therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer or other cancers associated with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and effective treatments for colorectal cancer and potentially other cancers driven by Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been challenges in targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, recent studies suggest that innovative approaches like this one may offer new avenues for successful treatment.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Chuo — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Chen, Chuo
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.