Understanding how certain proteins affect cancer treatment
Official title: Illuminating Dark Kinase Activity in HNSCC, LUSC, and LUAD through Integrative Kinase Proximity and Phosphoproteomics Analysis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11071252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins that are important in how cancer grows and responds to treatment, with the goal of finding better ways to target these proteins in cancer therapies to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,386 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA290947-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), or lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not related to the specific types being studied may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the activity of specific proteins called kinases that play a crucial role in cancer progression and treatment. By analyzing large datasets of protein modifications in various cancer types, the study aims to improve our understanding of how these proteins interact and function in cancer cells. The researchers will develop new methods to identify relationships between kinases and their target proteins, which could lead to better therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about how to target these proteins more effectively in cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective cancer treatments by identifying new therapeutic targets.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting kinases for cancer therapy, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Plutzer, Isaac B. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Plutzer, Isaac B.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This grant aims to see if blocking SREBP2 can make radiation therapy work better for people with HPV-negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
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Axelopran added to pembrolizumab for frontline recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer
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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.