Blocking a methionine-driven pathway in head and neck cancer with drugs and diet
Pharmacological and dietary inhibition of a novel metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk in head and neck cancer
Researchers are exploring whether medicines and diet changes that lower methionine-related signals can slow or stop growth of head and neck cancers and precancerous oral leukoplakia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322577 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab-grown organoids derived from human and animal oral tissues that model the stepwise progression from leukoplakia to invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. They will study a newly discovered cascade linking the LAT1 transporter, methionine metabolism, and the epigenetic regulator EZH2, and apply drugs and dietary methionine restriction to block this pathway. Experiments will combine cellular assays, animal models, and analysis of human tumor samples and patient survival data to see whether blocking this pathway reduces tumor growth. The team aims to translate these laboratory findings into strategies to prevent premalignant lesions from progressing or to slow established tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with oral leukoplakia (premalignant lesions) or diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, especially tumors showing high LAT1 or methionine activity, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not rely on methionine/LAT1 signaling, those with unrelated head and neck cancer subtypes, or people unable to follow dietary changes may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to drug or diet-based ways to prevent leukoplakia from becoming invasive cancer or to slow head and neck tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work has shown that targeting methionine metabolism can slow some cancers, but targeting the LAT1-methionine-EZH2 cascade in head and neck cancer is a newer approach with limited patient data.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, de-Chen — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lin, de-Chen
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.