A Novel Strategy Targeting the Metabolic Vulnerability of CRPC
Abstract
A hallmark of aggressive prostate cancer is the excessive metabolism of sugar and lipids, which cancer cells use to generate cellular building blocks to support uncontrolled cell growth, enhance survival, and develop therapeutic resistance. Thus, a promising approach for treating prostate cancer targets the improper metabolism of cancer cells, thereby starving the cells of the building blocks needed to create and maintain tumors. We have discovered a molecular switch that blocks the metabolism of sugar and lipids in prostate cancer cells. We have also found that this molecular switch is critical to contain the significant molecular drivers of the so- called castration-resistant prostate cancer, the deadly form of prostate cancer. Our work indicates that this switch is turned off in castration-resistant prostate cancer and that activation of the switch could block tumor growth. Importantly, we have discovered novel compounds that potently activate this molecular switch and thus might be developed into new anti-cancer medicines. Our research seeks a better understanding of how this molecular switch alters metabolism and contains the major molecular drivers of prostate cancer cells. Besides, we will test whether our novel chemical activators of the switch reduce or eliminate the ability of these cells to create tumors. Our chemical activator for this novel prostate cancer suppressor could be developed into new medicines to treat prostate cancer if we are successful. Prostate cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. The recorded incidence of prostate cancer has been increasing in the past two decades. While current standard treatments work initially, tumors can become resistant to these therapies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover new medicines to cure therapeutic resistant recurrent prostate cancer. Our research explores a new pathway of prostate cancer metabolism and has the strong potential to identify a class of new anti-cancer medicine. We expect to complete our work in the next three years and achieve broad benefits in patient-related outcomes for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Our proposed research directly addresses the FY22 PCRP Overarching Challenges: Define the biology of prostate cancer progression to lethal prostate cancer to reduce death and Develop treatments that improve outcomes for men with lethal prostate cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2024
- Source ID
- HT94252310130
Entities
People
- Jian Wang
Organizations
- United States Army
- Wayne State University