Investigating how cancer cells depend on specific nutrients for survival
Targeting SLC7A11-induced nutrient dependency in cancer: mechanisms and preclinical translation
This study is looking at how some cancer cells depend on certain nutrients to survive, especially focusing on a protein that helps them take in a specific nutrient called cystine, with the goal of creating new treatments that can starve these cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone, which could help people with solid tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10861873 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how certain genetic changes in cancer cells make them reliant on specific nutrients, particularly focusing on the SLC7A11 transporter that helps cancer cells absorb cystine. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to develop therapies that can disrupt this nutrient dependency, potentially leading to more effective treatments for cancers, especially solid tumors. The approach includes studying the metabolic pathways involved and testing new anti-cancer agents that target these pathways. Patients may benefit from therapies designed to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers that show overexpression of the SLC7A11 transporter, such as KEAP1-mutant lung cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not exhibit SLC7A11 overexpression or those with non-solid tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target nutrient-dependent cancer cells, improving outcomes for patients with certain types of cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting nutrient dependency has shown success in leukemia, this approach in solid tumors is still being explored and is considered novel.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gan, Boyi — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Gan, Boyi
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.