Glutaredoxin and glutathione control in KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma
Glutaredoxin, Glutathione Metabolism and Lung Cancer
This research looks at whether lower levels of the enzyme glutaredoxin change antioxidant balance and help KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the antioxidant glutathione and the enzyme glutaredoxin (GLRX) affect lung adenocarcinoma, especially tumors with KRAS mutations. They will analyze human tumor samples for GLRX, OTUB1, and the cystine transporter SLC7A11, use redox proteomics to find proteins modified by S-glutathionylation, and test effects in mouse models that combine KrasG12D with loss of Glrx. The team has already seen lower GLRX in human tumors and found that glutathionylation of OTUB1 stabilizes SLC7A11, raising glutathione levels and promoting tumor growth. These experiments aim to reveal whether targeting antioxidant pathways or system Xc- could be a path toward future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung adenocarcinoma—particularly those whose tumors carry KRAS mutations—would be the most relevant candidates to donate tissue or be considered for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients without lung adenocarcinoma or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic/translational research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new targets to limit antioxidant defenses in KRAS-driven lung cancer and guide development of therapies that slow tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting antioxidant metabolism and the cystine transporter SLC7A11 have shown promise in the lab and in animals, but translating these strategies to effective patient treatments remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
Burlington, United States
- University of Vermont & St Agric College — Burlington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Janssen-Heininger, Yvonne M. W. — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Janssen-Heininger, Yvonne M. W.
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.