Understanding how NELFE affects MYC in liver cancer
Deciphering the role of NELFE in modulating MYC signaling in HCC
This research explores how a protein called NELFE influences MYC, a key factor in liver cancer, to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a serious disease that is often diagnosed late and has a poor outlook. A protein called MYC is often out of control in about 80% of these cancers, but it's been very hard to target with medicines. Our team has found another protein, NELFE, that appears to play a central role in how MYC works in liver cancer. We aim to understand how NELFE helps MYC promote liver cancer, even when MYC itself isn't amplified. This knowledge could open doors to new treatments that indirectly target MYC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly those from Hispanic, Black, and Asian Pacific Islander communities who experience higher rates of the disease, are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients without hepatocellular carcinoma or those whose cancer does not involve the MYC pathway may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting a previously undruggable pathway.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on recent discoveries and preliminary data, suggesting a novel approach to targeting MYC in liver cancer.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dang, Hien T. — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Dang, Hien T.
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.