How specific sugar‑lipids control KRAS at the cell membrane
Regulation of KRAS plasma membrane targeting by defined glycosphingolipids.
Looks at whether particular membrane sugar‑lipids control where KRAS sits on cells and how that affects cancers driven by KRAS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126810 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on how cancer‑driving KRAS proteins rely on certain glycosphingolipids (sugar‑coated fats) to attach and organize at the cell surface. Researchers will use high‑resolution imaging and lipid biosensors to map membrane organization, change GSL levels using genetic deletion and drugs, and test effects in cells and animal models. They will also perform lipid reconstitution experiments and computer molecular dynamics to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the team aims to understand how altering these lipids can mislocalize KRAS and block its cancer‑promoting activity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers driven by KRAS mutations (for example some pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers) are the patients most likely to benefit from therapies that could arise from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have KRAS mutations or whose disease is driven by unrelated pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could open new ways to stop KRAS‑driven tumors by targeting membrane lipids or their metabolism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior preclinical work by the team and others showed that blocking GSL metabolism can mislocalize KRAS and reduce tumor growth in cell and animal models, so this builds on promising early results.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hancock, John F — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Hancock, John F
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.