Understanding how certain enzymes affect cancer and immune responses
Official title: Catalytic and Regulatory Mechanisms of Heme-based Dioxygenases
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11011812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain enzymes that help break down an important amino acid, L-tryptophan, to see how they affect the immune system and cancer growth, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $861,420 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM156326-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11011812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers or immune-related disorders that may be influenced by the activity of these enzymes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the kynurenine pathway or those not affected by immune modulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on key enzymes called indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases (IDO1, IDO2) and tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO), which play a vital role in breaking down the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. By studying these enzymes, the research aims to uncover how they influence immune responses and contribute to cancer progression. The approach involves detailed analysis of enzyme structures and their interactions with various molecules, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how these enzymes can be targeted to improve cancer treatments and immune system function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance cancer treatment and improve immune responses in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar enzymes for cancer therapy, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Syun-Ru — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Syun-Ru
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Participatory system dynamics to improve PrEP access in the Bronx
A community-driven project in the Bronx will use system dynamics to identify practical ways to help people at risk for HIV start and stay on PrEP.
-
Collaborative research network program for advancements in health science
A NIH-funded multi-institution project aims to advance health science through coordinated research efforts over five years for potential patient benefits.
-
Collaborative NIH Initiative to Advance Health
A national team project aims to make progress in a broad health area with potential benefits for patients.
-
A decentralized, post-incarceration program to help people living with or at risk for HIV
A patient-facing program called DEST2nation aims to help people recently released from jail or prison stay on HIV treatment (ART) and prevention (PrEP) by coordinating care, housing, and support services through peers and community organizations.
-
Project-002: a patient-facing look at a multi-institution effort
A concise, patient-friendly overview of a multi-site NIH project that may explore new approaches to health care over several years.
-
Plug-and-play vaccine and antibody blueprints for emerging flu-like viruses
A multi-team NIH grant aims to create adaptable vaccine and antibody blueprints to rapidly respond to new enveloped RNA viruses in three families.
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.