Understanding how cancer genes start making proteins

Mechanism of stringent translation initiation: a probe for its biological relevance

NIH-funded research Kansas State University · NIH-11124149

This project looks at how cancer cells start making proteins, which could help us find new ways to stop cancer growth.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionKansas State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Manhattan, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124149 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Cancer cells sometimes use unusual ways to start making proteins, which can help them grow and spread. This project aims to identify these unusual starting points in cancer models and understand how they are controlled. We will also explore how specific genetic changes found in many cancers might affect this process. By uncovering these mechanisms, we hope to find new targets for future cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications would target patients with various types of cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without cancer would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target and stop cancer growth by interfering with how cancer cells produce their proteins.

How similar studies have performed: While the general process of protein initiation is well-studied, understanding the specific mechanisms of non-canonical initiation in cancer and its regulation is a novel area of focus for this project.

Where this research is happening

Manhattan, 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 GenesCancer InductionCancer ModelCancer-Promoting Gene
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.