Understanding Cell Signals in Cancer
Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Signaling
This work explores how certain cell signals, called PKC and PHLPP, act as brakes or accelerators for cancer cell growth, aiming to find new ways to fight the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have complex communication systems, and sometimes these signals go wrong, leading to diseases like cancer. This project focuses on two key players in these signals, PKC and PHLPP, which can either stop or promote cancer cell survival. For many years, PKC was thought to always encourage tumor growth, but recent findings suggest it often works to suppress cancer. We want to understand exactly how PKC puts the brakes on cancer and how to restore its protective function. We also aim to learn more about PHLPP, which controls PKC and can act as both a tumor suppressor and a cancer promoter, to better understand its role in disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with various types of cancer, particularly those where PKC or PHLPP signaling pathways are implicated, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this foundational knowledge.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it focuses on fundamental biological mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for restoring natural cancer-fighting mechanisms in cells and developing more effective cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on recent discoveries that reversed a long-standing understanding of PKC's role in cancer, indicating a novel approach to a well-studied pathway.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newton, Alexandra C. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Newton, Alexandra C.
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.