Understanding how a key cancer pathway is turned on
Regulation of oncogenic Akt ubiquitination and activation by diverse mechanisms in cancer
This research explores how a crucial pathway called PI3K/Akt, which helps cancer grow, gets activated in human cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141128 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have many signaling pathways that control how cells grow and survive, and one called PI3K/Akt is often overactive in human cancers. When this pathway is too active, it can cause cancer cells to multiply and spread. While we know a lot about what happens after this pathway is turned on, we don't fully understand the initial steps that switch it on. This project aims to uncover these early mechanisms, which could lead to new ways to stop cancer growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with various cancers, as it seeks to understand a common mechanism driving cancer growth.
Not a fit: Current patients will not directly benefit from this basic laboratory research, as it is focused on understanding disease mechanisms rather than immediate treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for developing future cancer treatments that specifically block the activation of this important pathway.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies by this team have already shown new evidence that Akt activation involves specific chemical modifications, opening up a new area of understanding.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Hui-Kuan — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Hui-Kuan
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.