A new tumor-suppressing pathway in small cell lung cancer
Interrogating a novel axis of tumor suppression in small cell lung cancer
Researchers are working on a stress-response (SAPK/AP-1) pathway that could slow tumor growth in people with small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11231716 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses genetically engineered mouse models, laboratory cell models, and human tumor datasets to understand how a stress-activated kinase pathway (SAPK/AP-1) controls small cell lung cancer. Investigators will create mice lacking Map2k4 or Map2k7 together with Rb/p53 deletions to see whether loss of this pathway speeds tumor formation. They will combine cell-based functional screens with analysis of human tumor sequencing and expression data to link the SAPK/AP-1 axis to the ASCL1-driven (SCLC-A) subtype. The goal is to reveal molecular weaknesses that could point toward future targeted therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, particularly tumors of the ASCL1-driven (SCLC-A) subtype, or patients willing to contribute tumor samples or data for research.
Not a fit: People without small cell lung cancer or whose tumors do not involve the ASCL1/SAPK pathways are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets that lead to targeted treatments for people with small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab and sequencing work supports a role for the SAPK/AP-1 pathway in SCLC and mouse data show tumor acceleration when Map2k7 is deleted, but similar findings have not yet produced approved patient therapies.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macpherson, David — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Macpherson, David
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.