How the protein LSD1 helps small cell lung cancer develop neuroendocrine features

Mechanisms by which LSD1 Promotes Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Small Cell Lung Cancer

NIH-funded research Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11228387

This project aims to find why some small cell lung cancers respond to drugs that block the protein LSD1 and how to make those drugs work for more patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11228387 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Researchers will study small cell lung cancer cells and tumor samples to see how LSD1 controls cancer behavior and neuroendocrine features. They will use gene‑editing tools (like CRISPR) and drug testing in the lab to find genes that make tumors sensitive or resistant to LSD1 blockers. The team will map which genes LSD1 binds and represses and look for biomarkers that predict drug response. They will also test drug combinations in models to find ways to overcome resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with small cell lung cancer, especially those considering participation in LSD1 inhibitor trials or who can provide tumor samples for research, are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients without small cell lung cancer or whose tumors lack the molecular features targeted by LSD1-based approaches are unlikely to benefit from this line of work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify tests to predict who will benefit from LSD1 inhibitors and suggest drug combinations that help more patients with small cell lung cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown some small cell lung cancers are highly sensitive to LSD1 inhibitors and early clinical trials are underway, but most tumors remain resistant.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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 2026-06-10 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.