DNA footprints that reveal which lung cell type a cancer began in
Cell-of-Origin Footprints of Passenger Mutations in Human Lung Cancer
This work looks at tiny DNA changes in lung tumors to find which normal lung cell type the cancer started from, aiming to help people with lung adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142584 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, researchers will look at the pattern of harmless “passenger” DNA changes across your tumor’s genome and compare those patterns to maps of normal lung cell types. They will use computational methods to match tumor DNA footprints to specific lung epithelial cells, including surfactant-producing cells. The team will analyze DNA from patient tumors and existing genomic datasets to test whether these patterns reliably point back to a cell-of-origin. Results could clarify why tumors behave differently and point toward more tailored diagnoses or treatments in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with lung adenocarcinoma who can provide tumor tissue or tumor DNA data for research.
Not a fit: People without lung adenocarcinoma or those seeking an immediate change in their clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could let doctors classify lung adenocarcinomas by their original cell type, which might improve prognosis prediction and help guide more personalized treatment decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Early research has shown passenger-mutation patterns can carry cell-of-origin signals, but applying this approach specifically to human lung adenocarcinoma is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Imielinski, Marcin — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Imielinski, Marcin
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.