Understanding how to reactivate mutated p53 in cancer

Mechanisms of mutant p53 reactivation

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11124774

This research aims to understand how to turn mutated p53, a protein often found in cancer, back into a tumor fighter.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11124774 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many cancers have a mutated p53 protein that not only stops fighting tumors but also helps cancer grow. This project focuses on understanding the exact ways these mutated p53 proteins work and how they might be changed back to their normal, tumor-suppressing form. Researchers are looking for new ways to develop 'corrector drugs' that can bind to the mutated p53 and restore its healthy function. The goal is to overcome past challenges in drug development by gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with cancers that express mutated p53, particularly those with mutations at hotspot sites in the p53 DNA binding domain, are the target population for future therapies derived from this work.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve p53 mutations or who have other forms of cancer may not directly benefit from this specific research direction.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new and more effective drugs that reactivate mutated p53, offering a novel treatment approach for a wide range of cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Developing effective p53 reactivator compounds has been challenging, with limited success in clinical trials, making this a novel and critical area of investigation.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.