Understanding how the p53 gene prevents cancer from forming
Mechanisms of p53 Engagement and Action at the Benign-to-Malignant Transition in Sporadic Tumorigenesis
This work explores how a key gene called p53 stops cells from turning cancerous, especially in the early stages of diseases like pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129792 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The p53 gene is a crucial defense against cancer, often mutated in many human tumors, which can lead to a worse outlook. This project aims to uncover how p53 works to prevent cells with early cancer-like features from becoming full-blown malignant tumors. We want to understand what signals activate p53 and which of its actions are most important for stopping cancer. This knowledge could help us develop new ways to prevent and treat cancer, particularly by understanding the critical events that happen when p53 is lost.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to patients with various cancers, especially those where p53 mutations are common, such as pancreatic cancer.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment by targeting the p53 pathway.
How similar studies have performed: Decades of research have shown p53's importance as a tumor suppressor, but this project uses new tools to directly study its actions during early cancer development, offering a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowe, Scott W. — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Lowe, Scott W.
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.