Understanding how a specific protein modification affects cancer progression

Hijacking Post-translational Arginylation for Targeted Protein Degradation

NIH-funded research Washington University · NIH-10946949

This study is looking at how a specific protein change, influenced by an enzyme, affects cancer growth and spread, with the goal of finding new treatments that could help patients by targeting these changes in cancer cells.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWashington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Saint Louis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10946949 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of a protein modification called arginylation, which is regulated by the enzyme ATE1, in cancer progression and metastasis. The researchers aim to identify the protein substrates affected by ATE1 in various cancer types using a novel method called activity-based arginylation profiling (ABAP). By establishing a library of these substrates, the study seeks to develop targeted therapies that exploit arginylation for more effective cancer treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting cancer cell behavior.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cancers that exhibit high levels of ATE1 activity or arginylation-related pathways.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve ATE1 or arginylation mechanisms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative cancer treatments that specifically target and degrade proteins involved in cancer progression.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of hijacking arginylation for targeted protein degradation is novel, similar strategies targeting protein degradation have shown promise in other cancer research.

Where this research is happening

Saint Louis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancer TreatmentCancer cell lineCancerousCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.