How STAT2 and type I interferon affect cancer growth and treatment response
Novel roles of STAT2 and IFN-I in tumorigenesis and responses to therapy
Researchers aim to understand whether the protein STAT2 and type I interferon signals make lung and breast cancers more aggressive or change how they respond to treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143069 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is studying how a protein called STAT2 and immune signals (type I interferons) change cancer cell behavior by using tumor cell lines and animal models. They are looking at a form of STAT2 that is not phosphorylated and how it forms complexes that boost inflammatory signals like IL-6 and drive more aggressive, stem-like tumor traits. The researchers will measure gene activity, tumor behavior, and responses to therapies in laboratory and animal experiments. Results may identify markers or targets that could be tested in patients in future clinical studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with lung or breast cancer—particularly those whose tumors show high STAT2 levels or activity—would be the most relevant candidates for future trials or tissue donation.
Not a fit: People without cancer or whose tumors do not depend on STAT2 signaling are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets or biomarkers to help tailor treatments for lung and breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have suggested STAT2 can promote tumor growth, but translating these findings into effective patient treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stark, George Robert — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Stark, George Robert
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.