Understanding and treating aggressive prostate cancer with specific gene changes
Dissecting and targeting a novel vulnerability in aggressive Rb1 and p53 doubly deficient prostate cancer
This research looks for new ways to treat aggressive prostate cancer that has specific changes in the Rb1 and p53 genes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146437 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Prostate cancer is a common and serious disease, and some aggressive forms are linked to changes in two important genes, Rb1 and p53. When both of these genes are not working correctly, it can make the cancer harder to treat. Our team is working to understand why these specific gene changes lead to more aggressive cancer and to find new weaknesses in these cancer cells. We have identified a protein called GRK3 that is often found at higher levels in these aggressive prostate cancers. We are exploring how GRK3 contributes to cancer growth and if blocking it could be an effective new treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant to men with aggressive prostate cancer, particularly those whose cancer involves changes in both the Rb1 and p53 genes.
Not a fit: Patients whose prostate cancer does not involve these specific Rb1 and p53 gene changes may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective treatments for men with aggressive prostate cancer that has these specific gene changes.
How similar studies have performed: This research explores a novel vulnerability, building on preliminary data that suggests a new approach to targeting aggressive prostate cancer.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Wenliang — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Li, Wenliang
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.