Using microtubule-disrupting drugs to remove the cancer-linked MYB protein
Molecular basis for microtubule-destabilization dependent MYB degradation
This project looks at whether drugs that break down the cell's structural filaments can trigger destruction of the cancer-linked MYB protein in leukemias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196541 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are working with drugs called microtubule-destabilizing agents (including mebendazole and other chemically different compounds) to see how they cause the MYB protein to be removed from blood cancer cells. They use mass spectrometry and genetic screening to trace the proteins and pathways involved, and found that the proteasome and ubiquitin system are required for MYB loss. The team identified MAP3K1 as a key enzyme that links tubulin binding to MYB degradation. Understanding this pathway could point to new ways to target leukemias that depend on MYB.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with leukemias that show high MYB activity or MYB gene rearrangements, especially relapsed or treatment-resistant cases, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by MYB (for example many solid tumors or leukemias without MYB dependency) are unlikely to benefit from approaches targeting MYB.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that selectively remove the MYB protein and kill MYB-dependent leukemias.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches that force degradation of disease proteins (for example thalidomide-derivative molecular glues in multiple myeloma) have led to successful drugs, but using microtubule-destabilizing drugs to remove MYB is a novel, mainly preclinical strategy so far.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ebert, Benjamin Levine — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Ebert, Benjamin Levine
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.