Understanding how a protein called IQGAP1 affects liver cancer development
Official title: Investigating IQGAP1, a scaffold protein, in liver biology and Hepatocellular Carcinoma to overcome barriers in in vivo models
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11035157 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called IQGAP1 to see how it affects liver cancer, aiming to create a model that mimics human liver cancer so we can find better ways to treat patients with this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $178,948 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA258677-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035157 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma or those at high risk for developing this type of liver cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of liver diseases or cancers unrelated to Hepatocellular Carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of IQGAP1, a scaffold protein, in the development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), a common and deadly liver cancer. The study aims to create a humanized model of HCC to better understand how IQGAP1 contributes to cancer progression and to explore potential therapeutic targets. By using advanced techniques like hydrodynamic tail vein injections and the Sleeping Beauty transposon system, researchers will analyze the genetic similarities between mouse models and human tumors. This approach could lead to improved disease modeling and better treatment strategies for patients with HCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies targeting the IQGAP1-YAP1 signaling pathway, potentially improving outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar molecular pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delgado, Evan R — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Delgado, Evan R
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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.