Understanding how prostate cancer drugs attach to a key protein
Characterizing the binding mechanisms of castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutics to the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of the androgen receptor
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · DARTMOUTH COLLEGE · NIH-11113852
This work aims to understand how new medicines for advanced prostate cancer connect with a specific protein to help develop more effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DARTMOUTH COLLEGE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HANOVER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11113852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on special proteins called 'intrinsically disordered proteins' (IDPs) that are very flexible and hard for traditional drugs to target. These IDPs play a big role in many diseases, including prostate cancer. Our team uses advanced computer models and lab experiments to precisely observe how potential drugs bind to a specific IDP found in the androgen receptor, which is a key driver of prostate cancer growth. By uncovering these detailed binding mechanisms, we hope to design entirely new and more effective drug therapies for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients without castration-resistant prostate cancer or those not seeking new drug therapies would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective drug treatments for castration-resistant prostate cancer, offering new options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: This approach combines computational and experimental methods to target challenging proteins, building on existing biophysical and computational techniques, but applying it to IDPs for drug design is an active and evolving area.
Where this research is happening
HANOVER, UNITED STATES
- DARTMOUTH COLLEGE — HANOVER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBUSTELLI, PAUL — DARTMOUTH COLLEGE
- Study coordinator: ROBUSTELLI, PAUL
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Cancer Drug