Understanding a specific type of prostate cancer that resists treatment
Role of the CD44/Hyaluronan axis in mesenchymal prostate cancer
This research explores how certain prostate cancers become resistant to treatment by changing their cell type, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
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-11141724 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
When prostate cancer becomes resistant to standard treatments, it can sometimes transform into different cell types, making it harder to fight. One such type is called mesenchymal and stem-like prostate cancer (MSPC), which has unique characteristics. This project aims to uncover the specific molecular changes that cause prostate cancer cells to adopt this resistant MSPC state. We are focusing on how a protein called PKCλ/ι, when lost, might activate another pathway involving CD44 and Hyaluronan, leading to this aggressive cancer type. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to identify new targets for therapies and better predict which patients might benefit from them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to patients with prostate cancer, particularly those whose cancer has become resistant to treatment and may exhibit mesenchymal or stem-like characteristics.
Not a fit: Patients whose prostate cancer responds well to current treatments or those with other cancer types may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for prostate cancer that has become resistant to current therapies, offering new hope for patients with this challenging form of the disease.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon preliminary data and recent classifications of prostate cancer, suggesting it is a novel approach within an emerging area of understanding treatment resistance.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz Meco Conde, Maria Teresa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Diaz Meco Conde, Maria Teresa
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.