How NEUROD1 shapes small cell lung cancer behavior

NEUROD1 function in SCLC fate and plasticity

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11294337

This project looks at how the protein NEUROD1 changes small cell lung cancer cells and whether that points to new treatment options for people with SCLC.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11294337 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective, researchers will examine how NEUROD1 drives a neuronal-like state and subtype switching in small cell lung cancer cells. They will use lab-grown cell lines, animal models, and analysis of tumor samples to map the pathways linked to NEUROD1 and MYC-related changes. The team will test how these changes affect sensitivity to existing drugs and potential targeted approaches. Findings could help identify biomarkers to sort patients into different treatment groups or suggest new drug targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with small cell lung cancer—especially those whose tumors show NEUROD1 expression or MYC-driven features—would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical efforts.

Not a fit: People without SCLC or with tumors of unrelated molecular subtypes may not directly benefit from the results.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: This work could identify biomarkers or drug targets that help overcome treatment resistance and guide more personalized therapies for SCLC.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found subtype-specific vulnerabilities in SCLC (for example in MYC-driven tumors), but NEUROD1-focused work is less developed and is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.