Understanding and Developing New Treatments for Cancer by Targeting Cell Survival
Dissecting and Targeting Deregulated Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Human Cancer
This research aims to create new cancer treatments by understanding how certain proteins control whether cancer cells live or die.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141158 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have a natural process called apoptosis that tells cells when to die, but in cancer, this process often goes wrong, allowing cancer cells to survive and grow. This project focuses on a group of proteins, called BCL-2 proteins, that are key players in this cell survival pathway. By studying how these proteins interact and how they can be modified, we hope to find new ways to activate cell death in cancer cells. We are developing new compounds that can either turn on the 'death switch' in cancer cells or block the 'survival signals' that keep them alive. The ultimate goal is to translate these discoveries into next-generation therapies for people with cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with many types of human cancer, particularly those where the BCL-2 protein pathway is known to be deregulated.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve the specific cell survival pathways being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to entirely new and more effective medications for various types of cancer by specifically targeting the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to survive.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific compounds and mechanisms being explored are novel, other drugs targeting BCL-2 proteins have shown success in treating certain blood cancers, suggesting promise for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walensky, Loren David — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Walensky, Loren David
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.