Understanding how BRAF proteins work in cancer
Official title: Activation and Regulation Mechanisms of the RAF Kinase Family
Funded at Rowan University · NIH-10903770 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called BRAF works in different types of cancer, especially in cases where it doesn't respond to current treatments, to find new ways to help people with these tough-to-treat tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rowan University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Glassboro, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $292,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM138671-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903770 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that involve BRAF mutations or those with tumors that rely on BRAF activity despite not having BRAF mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers do not involve BRAF or its signaling pathways may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the BRAF protein, a key player in the MAPK signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and differentiation. It focuses on understanding how BRAF functions in various cancers, particularly those with mutations that affect its activity. The study aims to explore the mechanisms behind BRAF's role in cancer and to develop new therapeutic strategies for tumors that do not respond to existing BRAF inhibitors. By examining the structural elements and regulatory mechanisms of BRAF, the research seeks to uncover new ways to target this protein for cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for patients with cancers that currently lack effective treatment options targeting BRAF.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting BRAF in cancer therapy, but this specific approach to understanding non-BRAFV600E mutations is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rowan University
Glassboro, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zhihong — Rowan University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zhihong
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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.