Understanding how a specific protein, MITF, changes prostate cancer cells to make them more aggressive
Determine the Microphthalmia Transcription Factor (MITF)-regulated cell rewiring mechanisms in lethal prostate cancer
This project explores the hidden ways prostate cancer cells become deadly, hoping to find new ways to help patients with advanced disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123894 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Once prostate cancer becomes advanced and resistant to standard treatments, it is currently incurable. Our team wants to understand the specific biological changes within these aggressive tumor cells that allow them to thrive. We are focusing on a protein called MITF, which appears to play a key role in how these cancer cells grow and resist therapy. By studying human prostate cancer models and patient data, we aim to uncover new targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with advanced, castration-resistant prostate cancer might eventually benefit from therapies developed based on this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage or localized prostate cancer may not directly benefit from this research, as it focuses on advanced disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for advanced, lethal prostate cancer by targeting the specific mechanisms that make it aggressive.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this lab and others has identified master regulator transcription factors, like MITF, as important in prostate cancer, suggesting a foundation for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Domingo-Domenech, Josep Maria — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Domingo-Domenech, Josep Maria
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.