Finding genetic weak spots in lung cancer
Uncovering Oncogenotype-specific Vulnerabilities in Lung cancer
Looks for nutrient and metabolism weak spots tied to specific gene changes in non-small cell lung cancer, especially tumors with KRAS or KRAS+LKB1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310212 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project compares the metabolism of human non-small cell lung tumors that carry KRAS mutations with those that carry both KRAS and LKB1 changes to find vulnerabilities. Researchers analyze surgically removed tumor tissue using metabolite profiling and genomic methods to see which metabolic pathways the tumors depend on. They compare lung results with findings from other organs to understand how tissue type changes metabolic needs. The goal is to find metabolic pathways that could be targeted with drugs for patients whose tumors show those specific genetic patterns.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have KRAS mutations or KRAS plus LKB1 co-mutations, especially if they are having surgery or can donate tumor tissue.
Not a fit: Patients without NSCLC or without KRAS/KL tumor mutations are unlikely to see a direct benefit from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatment targets that exploit metabolic weaknesses in lung tumors with particular gene mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Related preclinical studies have found metabolic weak spots in some cancers, but applying oncogenotype-specific metabolic targeting to KRAS/LKB1 lung cancer is comparatively new.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jiyeon — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jiyeon
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.