Investigating how a sperm protein affects lung cancer metabolism
Official title: The sperm specific protein, COX6B2, promotes metabolic reprogramming in lung adenocarcinoma
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10894884 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called COX6B2, which helps cancer cells grow by boosting their energy, and it aims to find out how this works so that new treatments can be developed for lung cancer patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $356,393 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA251172-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894884 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, particularly those whose tumors express the COX6B2 protein.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung adenocarcinoma who do not express COX6B2 or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a specific protein, COX6B2, which is typically found in sperm but is also activated in lung adenocarcinoma. The study aims to understand how COX6B2 contributes to the survival and growth of cancer cells by enhancing energy production. Researchers will explore the molecular mechanisms behind this activation and its implications for tumor growth and patient outcomes. By using various biological approaches, the project seeks to uncover new insights into cancer metabolism that could lead to innovative treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for lung adenocarcinoma, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the investigation of cancer-testes antigens is established, the specific role of COX6B2 in lung adenocarcinoma is a novel area of research.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Whitehurst, Angelique Wright
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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.