# Systems, Pathways and Targets Program (SPT)

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2020 · $21,845

## Abstract

Project 003 - Project Summary/Abstract - Systems, Pathways & Targets (SPT) 
The Systems, Pathways & Targets (SPT) Program is a newly formed program (created in 2011) that integrates 
cancer-focused members from two prior programs with new members who have expertise in the systems 
biology of cancer. SPT members focus on cellular signaling, tissue morphogenesis and computational 
modeling/bioinformatics. The overarching goal of this program is to identify key proteins or points of crosstalk 
for therapeutic intervention. To achieve this goal, three aims are proposed: 1) Identify key targets in signaling 
pathways, developmental pathways, and metabolic programs that are relevant to cancer initiation, progression, 
and therapeutic resistance, 2) Develop multi-disciplinary teams to study tumor heterogeneity and 
microenvironment/cellular interactions, 3) Diversify multi-disciplinary approaches to develop new therapeutic 
strategies. SPT members include cell biologists, immunologists, geneticists, developmental biologists, 
computational scientists, and clinicians. Dr. David Fruman and Dr. John Lowengrub direct the program as co- 
leaders. Their expertise in cellular signaling and drug development (Fruman) and systems biology of the tumor 
microenvironment (Lowengrub) embody the scientific breadth of basic research in the program, their partnering 
with basic and physician scientist members demonstrates the collaborative nature of SPT. Since the last 
renewal, exciting progress has been made in the identification of new targets in cancer cells and the 
development of small lead compounds against those targets. The first subset of these molecules are making 
their way to the bedside in the form of pre-clinical tests and clinical trials. Strategic partnering with members of 
the Chemical and Structural Biology (CSB) program has led to the synthesis of a second subset of molecules 
for evaluation in pre-clinical assays. In addition, SPT members have collaborated with bioengineers in the 
Onco-Imaging and Biotechnology (OIB) program for the development of new tools for cancer research. New 
collaborations with members of the Cancer Prevention, Outcomes and Survivorship (CPOS) program show 
promise in identifying and addressing issues in the catchment area of the cancer center. In the future, the SPT 
program leadership will continue to leverage the unique breadth and synergy among its members to build 
collaborative teams that tackle long-standing problems using bold and innovative approaches. 
Membership: 55 Members from 17 Departments 
Funding: $2,731,793 NCI (Totals); $9,767,626 Other Peer-Reviewed (Totals) 
Publications: 588 Publications, 15% Inter-programmatic; 12% Intra-programmatic

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851370
- **Project number:** 5P30CA062203-23
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** DAVID Alexander FRUMAN
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $21,845
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851370

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851370, Systems, Pathways and Targets Program (SPT) (5P30CA062203-23). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851370. Licensed CC0.

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