# RESEARCH PROJECT 1: DAQING WU

> **NIH NIH U54** · CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $196,350

## Abstract

Docetaxel is the first-line chemotherapy for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (PCa), the major
cause of PCa mortality. Unfortunately, in most cases, PCa develops chemoresistance and continues
progressing, which has no cure. We developed a novel phenotypic screen and discovered bromocriptine, an
approved non-oncology drug, as a potent and selective inhibitor of chemoresistant PCa cells. In preliminary
studies, we demonstrated that bromocriptine effectively induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in
chemoresistant PCa cells via dopamine D2 receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. In mouse
models, bromocriptine monotherapy was efficacious in suppressing the skeletal growth of chemoresistant
PCa. These exciting results support our hypothesis that bromocriptine is a novel and effective subtype-focused
precision therapy for chemoresistant PCa. Through this Research Project, we will investigate the mechanism
of action and preclinical efficacy of bromocriptine against chemoresistant PCa. Our main objective is to provide
solid preclinical evidence supporting bromocriptine as a safe, effective, and affordable care for chemoresistant
PCa. To do so, we propose two specific aims. In Aim 1, we will elucidate the mechanism of action of
bromocriptine in chemoresistant PCa cells and discover novel molecular targets of bromocriptine. In Aim 2, we
propose demonstrating that oral administration of bromocriptine is efficacious against chemoresistant PCa and
exhibits excellent safety profiles in preclinical models. With the successful accomplishment of this project,
bromocriptine will be well-positioned to be promptly repurposed as a safe, effective, and affordable
precision therapy for chemoresistant PCa subtypes. The impact of our research has significant public
health implications for improving PCa treatment, decreasing the mortality rate of PCa, and reducing PCa
disparity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10800518
- **Project number:** 2U54MD007590-37
- **Recipient organization:** CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DAQING WU
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $196,350
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1997-06-01 → 2029-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10800518

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10800518, RESEARCH PROJECT 1: DAQING WU (2U54MD007590-37). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10800518. Licensed CC0.

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