How the p53 protein can trigger death in small cell lung cancer
Context dependent tumor suppression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11249246
This research looks at whether turning on the p53 protein—or targeting proteins it uses—can cause certain small cell lung cancers to die, potentially helping people with this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249246 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using engineered mouse models and lab-grown tumor cells to control and reactivate the natural cancer protein p53 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). They found some tumors enter senescence while others die through a non-apoptotic process linked to cyclophilin proteins, and they will map the molecular interactions behind this response. The team will use CRISPR genetic screens, molecular analyses, and small-molecule inhibitors of cyclophilins to define the pathway and its features like paraptosis and ER-directed autophagy (ER-phagy). The work is primarily experimental lab and animal research at the University of Pennsylvania aimed at revealing targets that could be pursued in future patient therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer would be the patients most likely to benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or whose tumors lack the p53-cyclophilin pathway features described here are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new drug targets or strategies that make p53 kill SCLC tumors and improve treatment options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies have shown tumor suppression after p53 reactivation, but the specific cyclophilin-dependent, non-apoptotic death pathway described here is novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FELDSER, DAVID — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: FELDSER, DAVID
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents