Fat metabolism and cell death in KRAS-mutant lung cancer
Fatty acid metabolism regulates ferroptosis in mutant KRAS lung cancer
This project looks at whether changing how tumor cells use fatty acids can trigger a form of cell death in people with KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer to guide new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248786 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are mapping the types and locations of fats inside KRAS-mutant lung tumors using high-resolution mass spectrometry and imaging. They will manipulate enzymes that control fatty acid activation in tumor cells and in mouse models to see if those changes make the cancer cells die by ferroptosis, a specific form of cell death. The team will combine laboratory experiments in cell lines and animals with detailed lipid analyses to identify pathways that cancer cells depend on. Findings are intended to point toward targets that could be tested in future therapies for KRAS-driven lung cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have activating KRAS mutations would be the main group that could eventually benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients without KRAS mutations or those seeking an immediate treatment change are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets that make KRAS-mutant lung tumors more likely to die and improve treatment options for patients with this aggressive cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical research has shown that inducing ferroptosis can kill some cancer cells, but applying this approach specifically to KRAS-mutant lung cancer remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- University of Cincinnati — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scaglioni, Pier Paolo — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Scaglioni, Pier Paolo
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.