CRACD's role in how small cell lung cancer cells behave
CRACD-controlled cell plasticity and small cell lung cancer
This research looks at how a protein called CRACD changes tumor cell behavior in small cell lung cancer patients to find new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237098 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine tumor samples from small cell lung cancer patients and use laboratory models to see what happens when the CRACD gene is lost or turned down. They will use genetic tools to mimic CRACD loss and study changes in cell structure, actin dynamics, and how tumor cells change their identity. The team will also look for molecular signs (biomarkers) and vulnerabilities that could be used to guide future targeted or immune-based therapies. Findings are intended to point toward new approaches for treating this aggressive form of lung cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, especially those willing to donate tumor tissue or join related biospecimen or future clinical studies, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without small cell lung cancer or those seeking immediate treatment effects are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical and translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets or biomarkers that lead to better, more durable treatments for small cell lung cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Genomic studies have reported CRACD alterations in SCLC tumors, but directly targeting CRACD-driven cell plasticity is a novel approach that has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Park, Jae-Il — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Park, Jae-Il
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.