# Identifying the vulnerabilities in Mdm2 overexpressing cancer cells

> **NIH NIH R50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2020 · $83,662

## Abstract

Abstract
Perturbation of the p53 pathway is a common theme in most if not all human cancers. While attenuation of the
pathway occurs most often through mutation or deletion of the p53 gene itself, amplification or over production
of two important p53 inhibitors, MDM2 and MDM4 also occurs in a number of cancers. The research program
funded by R01 CA47296 investigates the pathways of tumor suppression with emphasis on the role of Mdm2
and Mdm4 in p53 regulation and is currently in its 31st year of funding. This R50 application requests salary
support for Vinod Pant, Ph.D. to continue providing research support to the program. Dr. Pant works as a non-
tenure Assistant Professor in the laboratory of Dr. Guillermina Lozano, Unit Director on this application. Dr. Pant
has more than 15 years of experience in cancer research and has a broad background in molecular biology,
developmental biology, bio-chemistry and mouse genetics. Dr. Pant has made significant contributions to the
program and has published multiple research articles in well-regarded journals. Relevant to this application, Dr.
Pant is proficient in murine studies and in conducting CRISPR/Cas9 functional screens. Dr. Pant has carried out
preliminary screens to identify the factors that allow cells to tolerate high levels of MDM2 which are otherwise
toxic for normal cell growth. Dr. Pant is proceeding with secondary screens to further refine the results. In
addition, Dr. Pant will perform genetic screens in MDM2 overexpressing liposarcoma cells to identify the
vulnerabilities in these cancer cells. Identified factors will be validated by in vitro and in vivo studies and
subsequently tested as therapeutic targets for potential treatment strategy. Dr. Pant's contribution is essential
for successful completion of the aims of R01 CA47296 research program.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10040521
- **Project number:** 1R50CA251703-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Vinod Pant
- **Activity code:** R50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $83,662
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-11 → 2025-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10040521

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10040521, Identifying the vulnerabilities in Mdm2 overexpressing cancer cells (1R50CA251703-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10040521. Licensed CC0.

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