Award
National Cancer Institute 11232003
Mapping p53 dynamics to cell-fate outcomes in reprogramming and oncogenesis
Recipient
Duke University
Award Amount
$91,001.00
Ceiling
$91,001.00
Awarded
July 30, 2025
Identifier
11232003
This NIH grant awarded to Duke University aims to study the role of p53 protein in cell fate transitions and cancer development, using synthetic gene circuits and 3D tumor models to identify early cancer drivers and improve therapies.
Description
The objective of this proposal is to understand the role of the tumor suppressor protein p53 in aiding cell fate transitions including cancer. As p53 mutants dominate the mutational landscape of cancer, it is important to understand what functions of normal p53 are co-opted and enhanced by mutants to promote cell fate transitions in order to establish effective therapies that target cells harboring these oncogenes. By studying the role of p53 and p53 mutants during transitions, this work will shed light on early-stage cancers, aiding early detection of the disease and improving patient outcomes.