Tumor vulnerability from losing a cluster of metal-binding genes in cancer
Official title: Tumor suppressor vulnerability conferred by aneuploid loss of haploinsufficient metallothionein genes
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11541958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how losing a group of metal-binding genes makes some cancers more vulnerable, with potential clues for new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $9,890 |
| NIH project number | 3DP2CA280626-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11541958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients whose tumors show losses at the metallothionein gene cluster or related aneuploidy patterns may be relevant for follow-up studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without tumors showing metallothionein loss or related aneuploid changes may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how cancer cells adapt when a set of metallothionein genes, which help manage zinc and cadmium, are reduced. Using advanced bioinformatics and CRISPR-based methods, the team will map how these losses affect key pathways that govern tumor growth and suppression. The goal is to understand why certain aneuploid changes drive cancer behavior and identify opportunities to exploit these vulnerabilities in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could point to new therapeutic targets or strategies for cancers with metallothionein loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that broad pathway alterations can influence tumor behavior, suggesting this path could yield actionable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delaney, Joe R — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Delaney, Joe R
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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.