Understanding how cancer cells resist treatment targeting Ras proteins
Official title: De novo designed Ras tools to uncover the mechanisms underlying drug resistance
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10947746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how cancer cells learn to resist treatments aimed at a specific protein called Ras, which is important in many cancers, and it hopes to find new ways to make those treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $109,906 |
| NIH project number | 1K99CA293001-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that have mutations in Ras proteins, particularly those who have experienced relapse after treatment with Ras inhibitors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not driven by Ras mutations or those who have not received Ras-targeted therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which cancer cells develop resistance to treatments targeting mutant Ras proteins, which are involved in many cancers. The approach involves creating specialized tools to measure Ras activity in cancer cells, particularly those that have become resistant to existing therapies. By studying how these cells reactivate Ras signaling despite treatment, the research aims to uncover new strategies to overcome drug resistance. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for Ras-driven cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with Ras-driven cancers who currently face drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding drug resistance mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jason — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jason
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.