Understanding how p53 works to stop cancer

Integrative approaches to elucidate p53 transcriptional networks during carcinogenesis

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11161149

This project aims to understand how a key protein called p53 prevents cancer from growing, hoping to find new ways to treat the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11161149 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many cancers involve changes to a protein called p53, which normally helps protect our bodies from cancer. We don't fully understand how p53 does this, and there aren't many treatments that specifically target p53. This work explores new ways p53 might stop cancer, looking beyond what we already know. By finding these new mechanisms, especially how p53 affects how our genes are read and used, we hope to discover new targets for future cancer medicines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational work is relevant for anyone affected by cancer, especially those with cancers linked to changes in the p53 gene, as it seeks to uncover new treatment strategies.

Not a fit: Patients will not receive direct treatment or immediate benefit from this basic science project, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms rather than clinical intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of entirely new treatments for many types of cancer by targeting the p53 pathway.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has identified some ways p53 works, and this project builds on those findings by exploring new mechanisms through advanced screening techniques.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.
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.