Understanding how MYC causes cancer with WDR5
Facilitated recruitment of MYC to chromatin by interaction with WDR5
This project aims to understand how a cancer-causing protein called MYC finds its targets in cancer cells, specifically focusing on how another protein, WDR5, helps it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11124619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
In many cancers, a protein called MYC becomes overactive, driving tumor growth. MYC works by attaching to specific genes to turn them on, but we don't fully understand how it finds these genes. This project explores how another protein, WDR5, helps MYC attach to genes important for cell growth, like those involved in making new proteins. By understanding this 'facilitated recruitment,' we hope to uncover new ways to stop MYC from promoting cancer. This research could lead to new strategies for treating MYC-driven malignancies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with cancers driven by the MYC protein.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to MYC activity may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets, like WDR5, to specifically block MYC's cancer-causing activity.
How similar studies have performed: While the general role of MYC in cancer is well-known, the specific mechanism of 'facilitated recruitment' by proteins like WDR5 is a newer area of focus, and WDR5 itself is already being explored as a drug target by other groups.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tansey, William Patrick — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Tansey, William Patrick
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 below.