# P3: EphA2 Targeting in Uterine Carcinoma

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2020 · $302,812

## Abstract

Project 3 SUMMARY
Growing evidence suggests that EphA2 is an important therapeutic target in uterine cancer. Our recent
integrative analysis of TCGA data further indicate that EphA2 upregulation is significantly correlated with poor
survival. EphA2 is also expressed at high levels in the tumor vasculature and plays a critical role in regulating
angiogenic functions. These findings, coupled with the low or absent expression of EphA2 in most normal adult
tissues, make it a highly attractive therapeutic target. Despite its clinical benefit in patients with recurrent
uterine cancer, dasatinib can result in substantial toxicity when combined with chemotherapy due to its “off-
target” engagement. Therefore, more specific therapeutic approaches for targeting EphA2 are needed. To
achieve this goal, we have focused on systemically delivered short interfering RNA (siRNA) against EphA2
(EPHARNA) using a neutral nanoliposomal platform. Our overall hypotheses are that 1) EphA2 gene silencing
using EPHARNA enhances the therapeutic response selectively in CAV1 overexpressing tumors; 2) Inhibition
of MEK signaling increases the sensitivity to EphA2-targeted therapy in uterine cancer. The overall goal of this
renewal proposal is to use EPHARNA for selective EphA2 targeting in uterine carcinoma and determine the
underlying mechanisms of response and adaptive changes. The proposed Aims are complementary and will
be pursued in close collaboration with the Cores.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10006205
- **Project number:** 5P50CA098258-15
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** ANIL K SOOD
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $302,812
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2003-09-01 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10006205

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10006205, P3: EphA2 Targeting in Uterine Carcinoma (5P50CA098258-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10006205. Licensed CC0.

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