Identifying key factors that influence lung metastasis in kidney cancer

Genome-wide CRISPR screening identifies critical regulators controlling ccRCC lung metastasis

NIH-funded research Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11072935

This study is looking into how kidney cancer spreads to the lungs and aims to find new ways to treat it by focusing on a specific factor called HLF, which could help improve care for patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUt Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Dallas, United States)
Project IDNIH-11072935 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind lung metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a type of kidney cancer that is often resistant to treatment. Using advanced CRISPR screening techniques, the study aims to identify critical regulators, particularly focusing on the Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF), which has not been previously studied in this context. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, as it could lead to new therapeutic targets and strategies to combat metastasis. The research will utilize various models, including patient-derived xenografts and immune-competent mouse models, to explore the functional significance of HLF in ccRCC lung metastasis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with clear cell renal cell carcinoma, particularly those experiencing or at risk for lung metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of kidney cancer or those whose cancer has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve survival rates for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using CRISPR screening is gaining traction, the specific focus on HLF in the context of ccRCC lung metastasis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

Dallas, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapy
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.