How lung cancer cells change shape and send signals that help them spread
A pro-metastatic secretory program activated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY · NIH-11285319
This work looks at how lung adenocarcinoma cells switch to a mobile state and release signals that help tumors spread, aiming to inform new ways to stop metastasis for people with lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11285319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team studies lung cancer cells in the lab and uses mouse models to see how a process called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes cancer cells to secrete factors that promote metastasis. They will identify the substances cancer cells release and trace the cell pathways, including proteins that control endosomal trafficking, that enable this secretory program. The project involves advanced cell biology methods, molecular analyses, and validated animal models that mimic human lung adenocarcinoma. Results are meant to point to targets that could be tested later in patient-centered therapies or biomarkers for metastatic risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung adenocarcinoma, especially those at risk for or living with metastatic disease, would be the most relevant patient group for future trials arising from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to lung adenocarcinoma or conditions not driven by EMT are unlikely to directly benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets or markers to prevent or limit lung cancer spread, helping develop therapies or tests to protect patients from metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown EMT can increase invasiveness and that secreted factors influence metastasis, but the specific pro‑metastatic secretory program targeted here is still being mapped and is not yet fully proven.
Where this research is happening
LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY — LEXINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XIAO, GUAN-YU — UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
- Study coordinator: XIAO, GUAN-YU
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.