Understanding how cancer genes are amplified and regulated in cells
Official title: Amplifications and signaling of oncoproteins in cancer
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-10949095 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of DNA found in cancer cells can make cancer genes stronger, which might help us understand cancer better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $96,120 |
| NIH project number | 4K00CA274692-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949095 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers known to harbor circular extrachromosomal DNA, which may include a variety of cancer types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve ecDNA amplification or those with early-stage cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of circular extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in amplifying cancer genes, which is a significant factor in cancer progression. By using advanced genetic techniques and profiling methods, the study aims to uncover how these ecDNAs influence the expression of oncogenes in cancer cells. The research will involve analyzing cancer cell lines to identify unique dependencies and mechanisms that govern oncogene regulation on ecDNA. This could lead to a better understanding of cancer biology and potential new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for targeting cancer more effectively by disrupting the mechanisms that allow oncogenes to be overexpressed.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on ecDNA is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring oncogene amplification in cancer, indicating potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hung, King L. — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Hung, King L.
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.