Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received a $653,967 Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395) on March 16, 2026, with a completion date of February 28, 2031. This award supports mechanistic research and therapeutic strategy development targeting PPP2R1A (Protein Phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit A) mutations in gynecological cancers, particularly uterine serous endometrial carcinoma and ovarian clear cell carcinoma. The research focuses on identifying and validating KAT6A (lysine acetyltransferase 6A) inhibition as a selective therapeutic target for PPP2R1A-mutated cancers and investigating combination treatment approaches.

The primary deliverables include fundamental research elucidating the mechanistic basis by which PPP2R1A mutations confer selective sensitivity to KAT6A inhibition, preclinical validation of KAT6A inhibitor-based combination therapeutic strategies, and exploration of synergistic approaches combining KAT6A inhibition with immune checkpoint blockades and senolytics. The grant supports both basic laboratory investigations and translational work aimed at developing urgently needed therapeutic interventions for patient populations currently lacking effective treatment options based on PPP2R1A mutational status.