Understanding how cancer cells resist targeted therapies that inhibit ribosome production

Translation Rewiring Underlines Drug Resistance to Lethal Targeted Ribosome Biogenesis Therapeutics in Cancer

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11013350

This study is looking at how cancer cells learn to resist treatments that target their growth, specifically focusing on a drug called BMH-21, and aims to find ways to make these treatments work better for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013350 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how cancer cells develop resistance to therapies that target ribosome biogenesis, a crucial process for their growth. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR to identify genes involved in this resistance, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to survive despite treatment. The focus is on a specific drug, BMH-21, which inhibits RNA polymerase I transcription, a key step in ribosome production. The findings could lead to new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies by overcoming resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with colorectal carcinoma or other cancers that may exhibit resistance to ribosome biogenesis inhibitors.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not involve ribosome biogenesis or those who are not undergoing treatment with targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments that overcome drug resistance, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting ribosome biogenesis in cancer, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, 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 anti-cancer therapycancer cellCancer cell linecancer progressioncancer survival
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.